Tom Brady Blows Off Steam on ‘Crazy’ Jersey Number Changes
Tom Brady has nothing to be irked about when it comes to his NFL career, but right now, he’s pretty irked by the NFL’s recent number rule change.
The NFL expanded the rules for jersey numbers going into the 2021 season, allowing running backs, tight ends, fullbacks and wide receivers to sport jersey numbers 1 through 49 and 80 through 89. The NFL also now allows defensive backs to wear numbers 1 through 49, linebackers 1 through 59 and 90 through 99, offensive linemen 50 through 79 and defensive linemen 50 through 59 and 90 through 99.
The numbers rules didn’t budge for quarterbacks, punters and kickers.
“The number rule is crazy,” Brady told the Tampa Bay Times. “Literally, guys changed their numbers today. I’m playing two guys who had different numbers in the preseason. So, yeah you’ve got to watch film and know who you’re studying but so do running backs. They’ve got to know who to block. So does the offensive line. So does the receivers who are adjusting their routes based on blitzes.”
He added, “So one guys has got a 6, one guy has 11, one guy has got a 9. And they change every play when you break your routes and get to your spot. It’s going to be a very challenging thing. It’s a good advantage for the defense, which that’s what it is.”
You tell ’em, Brady!