NFL Jerserys Are Much More Than Numbered Shirts

NFL jerseys are one of the ways we use to distinguish football players on the field. The large numbers enable both spectators and commentators to tell one football player from another at a distance. Football players are hidden beneath layers of padding and a helmet. NFL jerseys are often the only way to distinguish between players on the field.

Another use of NFL jerseys is to distinguish the opposing teams. The two teams cannot wear NFL jerseys of the same color during a game. Often one team will wear a light colored jersey and the other team a dark jersey. That means each team has separate sets of uniforms for home games and away games. When football players are piled together after a tackle, often the NFL jerseys are the only way to tell who tackled whom.

The jerseys are physically functional too. They keep shoulder pads and other protective pads in place. Long sleeve NFL jerseys can keep the player warmer in cold weather. Conversely, short sleeve jerseys can help players feel cooler in very hot weather. NFL jerseys often have a mesh in the fabric, allowing air to circulate around the player's body.

Numbers on NFL jerseys are not chosen randomly. In 1973 a jersey numbering system was adopted by the National Football League. This change allowed spectators and referees to tell players apart not only by team, but by position too. Players are now assigned jersey numbers based on their positions, as summarized below.

Quarterbacks and specialty kickers wear NFL jerseys with the numbers 1 to 19. Numbers 10 to 19 and 30 to 39 belong to wide receivers. Running and defensive backs wear numbers 20 to 49. Offensive linemen wear NFL jerseys with numbers between 50 and 79. 60 to 79 and 90 to 99 are numbers worn by defensive linemen. Linebackers are classified with NFL jerseys numbered 50 to 59 and 90 to 99. Tight ends are numbered 80 to 89 (or 40 to 49, if none others are available).

These number assignments for NFL jerseys are generally followed, but there are exceptions. Sometimes a player will petition the league to keep a jersey number that doesn't match the guidelines. This may be due to sentimental reasons, such as their college jersey numbers. The numbers for NFL jerseys are also based on the players' primary playing positions. Sometimes players will play at a secondary position due to injuries or special plays.

NFL jerseys serve another useful function for the fans. They allow the fans to express their devotion to certain players by proudly wearing those players' NFL jerseys.

Copyright 2006 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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