Jason Kelce criticizes NFL's expanded jersey-number rules

Philadelphia — Jason Kelce, the longtime Eagles center, criticized the NFL's expansion of jersey numbers in a recent appearance on his podcast New Heights, saying the changes erode the traditional way players' positions are signaled by their numbers.

The NFL's 2021 rule change broadened numbers for several position groups. Defensive linemen remain restricted to 50-79 and 90-99, but linebackers who line up on the line of scrimmage can wear numbers outside the traditional range, including 0-59 and 90-99. Defensive backs can wear 0-49. On offense, quarterbacks can wear 0-19 in addition to 1-19. Running backs and fullbacks can wear 0-49 and 80-89, up from 20-49. Wide receivers and tight ends can wear 0-49 and 80-89, extending beyond prior limits for both positions. Offensive linemen are still limited to 50-79.

Kelce said he liked looking at a jersey and knowing what position a player played and would prefer seeing a number that signaled the role on the field. He cited that a big-bodied player on the line of scrimmage should wear a big-number and pointed to how a star defender wearing No. 11 can blur identity on defense, using Micah Parsons as an example.

"I’m not into this," Kelce said, describing the sense that numbers no longer signal position on defense. The discussion highlighted the tension between tradition and modern branding as the league expanded allowable digits across most position groups.

The quarterback No. 0 option, and the broad numbers now available to every position group, has stirred debate among players and fans about tradition, readability, and branding.

Kelce's remarks underscore his continued prominence in Philadelphia's football culture as the Eagles pursue ongoing success. No official league response to his comments is noted in the material accompanying this report.