Possible Number Changes For Nittany Lions In The NFL
NFL owners approved a proposal this past week that will allow running backs, tight ends, wide receivers, defensive backs, and linebackers to wear single-digit jersey numbers.
The rule change may seem inconsequential, but multiple Nittany Lions in the league have hinted at possible number changes, including star New York Giant Saquon Barkley.
Yes, Saquon, we could see you in another number. In fact, we could see several former Penn State football stars sporting new digits at the professional level. Here are our picks for who should switch their jersey numbers for this coming season.
KJ Hamler: No. 1
Hey, Suga! This one speaks for itself. Hamler wore No. 13 in his first season with the Denver Broncos last fall, but a switch to his former college digit would be undeniably cool.
The speedy wide receiver made a No. 1 Penn State jersey a popular buy for everyone during his two seasons in Happy Valley. He left Penn State with 98 catches worth 1,658 yards and 13 touchdowns, including this legendary White Out moment as “the speedy freshman.”
We miss you, KJ. This would be a perfect way to stay connected to your days in Happy Valley while balling out in Denver.
Marcus Allen: No. 2
While he was a dominant, hard-hitting safety during his days at Penn State, Allen lined up at linebacker in his third season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Either way, he’d be eligible for this number change.
If No. 1 is Hamler’s at Penn State, No. 2 certainly belongs to Allen. He was a fan-favorite throughout his time in the blue and white, and while his play spoke for itself, Allen also led the way in the post-game dance moves department.
Allen obviously wants to stay true to his Penn State roots, considering he was here just last week for the Blue-White practice, so why not don his old college number in the league?
Miles Sanders: No. 4
This one makes way too much sense not to do. After wearing No. 24 during his successful Penn State career, Sanders has shifted to No. 26 for the Philadelphia Eagles. He’s been fantastic in his first two seasons with the Birds, but a switch to No. 4 would likely lead to even better play from the star running back.
Sanders wore No. 4 during his high school days at Woodland Hills in Pittsburgh, and he quite literally put up video game numbers. The former five-star prospect rushed for 4,573 yards during his high school career and reached the end zone an absurd 59 times.
Sanders has been a star at the NFL already, but a call-back to his high school days may elevate him to pure dominance.
Mike Gesicki: No. 6
This one isn’t as self-explanatory, but stick with us, folks.
Gesicki wore No. 88 at Penn State and currently wears the same for the Miami Dolphins, but a single-digit would be perfect for the big-time pass-catcher. There’s no denying it would look pretty weird, but Gesicki is a loveable goofball, so why not let it fly?
Standing at 6’6″, Gesicki could honor his height with the number change. Along with that, he burst onto the scene for the Dolphins this year with 53 catches worth 703 receiving yards and, you guessed it, six touchdowns.
The Gesicki train is rolling in Miami. Let’s help it stand out even more by having the big fella where an unorthodox number at tight end.
DaeSean Hamilton: No. 5
KJ Hamler shouldn’t be the only single-digit wideout in Denver.
Hamilton currently wears No. 17 for the Broncos, but he made No. 5 synonymous with success at the wide receiver position at Penn State, and he should continue that tradition in the NFL.
Donning No. 5 as a Nittany Lion, Hamilton wasn’t always the most talked-about offensive player alongside Saquon Barkley and Chris Godwin, but he was quietly dominant at Penn State. With 214 catches in the blue and white, Hamilton is Penn State’s all-time leader in receptions. He also caught a pass for the Nittany Lions in 34 straight games over the course of his career.
Consistency and big-time playability were Hamilton’s role at Penn State. The switch to No. 5 might help him ride those same vibes for the Broncos.
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