#55 for pats? - Page 2 - New England Patriots Forums

patsfan55 · 09-04-2008, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spacecrime

It is my understanding that the NFL requires the 50 numbers to be used for linebackers before they can use other numbers.

Is that correct?

If so, who is wearing #55 right now?

wait!
so they took it from me?!?!?

Patriotis · 09-04-2008, 05:32 PM

LB's can wear #'s between 50-59 and 90-99.

My question is why Ventrone who is playing WR can wear 41 when WR's can only wear #s between 10-19 and 80-89, 85 and 87 are available. Also if Slater is a DB now he needs to change his #18 - 25, 38, 43, 45, 46, 47 and 48 are available or he can simply switch w/Ventrone.

Funktopus · 09-04-2008, 05:35 PM

I googled it. the best link I could find was this: http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/in...ts/0-jers-nums

I have no idea of how reliable that information is, but I thought I'd share what I had found.

I also searched the NFL.com site and they have a page for rules, but it doesn't identify rules related to equipment. http://www.nfl.com/rulebook

spacecrime · 09-04-2008, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by italia44

My reply was over the top...however,If you want to know the chances of Seau coming back,why not start a thread asking for input on this possibility.

Oh, my God. Are you still here?

If I wanted to ask about Seau, I would have asked about Seau.

Back on topic:

I noticed that #55 was not assigned to anyone.

It is my understanding that all the 50 numbers must be filled before any LB can have a jersey number in the 40's. It was a rule at one time, back when they first change the rule on LB jersey numbers and allowed LBs to have numbers in the 40's. Some may recall that in 1987 Brian Bozworth wanted to wear # 44 and was not allowed to because at the time it wasn't a LB number. He sued the NFL and lost. I'm afraid to tell you what number the Seahawks assigned him.

Recently, Eric Alexander was forced to change from #49 to #52. Pierre Woods wore #45 his entire rookie season, but was forced to change to 58 last year.

I don't know if Guyton was forced or not, but when Hobson was cut, Guyton was immediately re-assigned #59.

It appears to me that the 50's must still be filled.

Back to the beginning.

I noticed that no Pats player had the number 55, 56 or 57.

Numbers 56 and 57 are retired, but what about 55?

Does anyone have that number? Is there still a rule that the 50's must be filled before LBs can take other numbers? The only examples of which I am aware of players being forced to change numbers are from the 40's. Does this rule, if it exists, affect only the 40's or also the 90's?

It is of secondary interest that 55 belonged to a guy many feel will return to the Patriots, but my question wasn't about Seau. It was: Does anyone have #55 today and is the rule still in effect?

This is a very minor detail to which you obviously have neither knowledge nor interest, so why not sit back and wait until someone who can understand my question answers it?

Quote:

Originally Posted by italia44

You don't have to use numerology or the psychic network....just ask....we won't hurt you.

Brian Bozworth was forced to wear #55.

spacecrime · 09-04-2008, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patriotis

LB's can wear #'s between 50-59 and 90-99.

Tully Banta Cain, eric ALexander, Pierre Woods and maybe others have played regular season games with numbers in the 40's. They were all forced to switch at one point. I just don't know the rules surrounding use of LB nuymbers in the 40's

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patriotis

My question is why Ventrone who is playing WR can wear 41 when WR's can only wear #s between 10-19 and 80-89, 85 and 87 are available. Also if Slater is a DB now he needs to change his #18 - 25, 38, 43, 45, 46, 47 and 48 are available or he can simply switch w/Ventrone.

Multi-position players must carry numbers appropriate to their primary position. If BB lists Ventrone as a DB, then 41 is okay. Ditto, 18 is okay for Slater if BB lists him as a WR.

Zeke_Mowatt · 09-04-2008, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NFL Rule 5, Section 1, Article 4

and linebackers 50-59 (90-99 if 50-59 unavailable)

Seems like we need a #55 or AD and/or Crable need to change numbers...maybe this means Crable gets "assigned" #55 so AD doesn't have to lose his number? [edited to add: I think it's ironic that in a post/topic about numbers, I hit my 666th post...

spacecrime · 09-04-2008, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funktopus

I googled it. the best link I could find was this: http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/in...ts/0-jers-nums

I have no idea of how reliable that information is, but I thought I'd share what I had found.

Thanks. This is great:

Quote:

All players must wear numerals on their jerseys in accordance with Rule 5, Section 3, Article 3c (see NOTE 1), and such numerals must be by playing position as follows: quarterbacks, punters, and placekickers, 1-19 (and 10-19 for wide receivers if 80-89 are all otherwise assigned); running backs and defensive backs, 20-49; centers, 50-59 (60-79 if 50-59 unavailable); offensive guards and tackles, 60-79; wide receivers and tight ends, 80-89; defensive lineman, 60-79 (90-99 if 60-79 unavailable); and linebackers 50-59 (90-99 if 50-59 unavailable).

Not even a provision for numbers in the 40's. Right now no patriot LB has a 40 number. Redd is 49, but since he isn't on a roster, I don't think the rules apply.

I wonder if when he gets activated, he will have to take #55?

spacecrime · 09-04-2008, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeke_Mowatt

Seems like we need a #55 or AD and/or Crable need to change numbers...maybe this means Crable gets "assigned" #55 so AD doesn't have to lose his number? [edited to add: I think it's ironic that in a post/topic about numbers, I hit my 666th post...

Well, Zeke Mowatt was a "beast."