PHOENIX — The jersey No. 0 is coming to rosters throughout the NFL.
The league voted Tuesday to permit all gamers apart from offensive and defensive linemen to put on the jersey No. 0. The proposal was submitted by the Philadelphia Eagles, and likewise permits kickers and punters to make use of any jersey numeral between 0-49 and 90-99.
Atlanta Falcons CEO Wealthy McKay, chairman of the NFL’s competitors committee, defined why the change was made with minimal opposition, if any.
“I do not assume there was any dialogue, and we voted. As somebody who works for a staff, we’ve actual challenges within the quantity world proper now,” McKay stated, noting 16-member observe squads along with the 53-man roster.
“That is one factor that would assist us in that problem, as a result of we do have some gamers that have a tendency to love the only digit. Numbers are extra problematic than they’ve ever been, so this one had little or no pushback.”
The information was met with pleasure by Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Calvin Ridley, who tweeted his plans to put on 0.
Excited to be the primary @Jaguars participant to put on zero – shout out to @JagsEquip! #ReadyToWork pic.twitter.com/MfympKGWSl
— CALVIN RIDLEY (@CalvinRidley1) March 28, 2023
One other notable change got here with the league voting to ascertain one preseason roster discount date on the finish of the preseason, as an alternative of two.
“It makes widespread sense to us now due to the dimensions of the observe squad and the actual fact you may have these gamers all offseason,” McKay stated. “Your coaches have invested all this time in creating them, they know your scheme, and they’re going to be the gamers that get you thru the season by way of [practice squad] elevation and IR alternative.”
The NFL additionally voted to broaden on the spot replay to permit for overview on failed fourth-down makes an attempt, which was a proposal that had been submitted by the Houston Texans. As well as, the league voted to make the penalty for tripping a private foul.
As well as, it was introduced that the league will broaden the usage of Guardian Caps. In 2022, linebackers, tight ends, defensive linemen and offensive linemen wore them in preseason practices. This yr, operating backs and fullbacks may also put on them, and it’ll additionally embody in-season contact practices.
Notable rule proposals that did not move, or weren’t voted on this week, included:
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Permitting groups to designate a 3rd quarterback on recreation days.
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Giving groups an opportunity to transform fourth-and-20 from their very own 20-yard line as an equal to an onside kick try.
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Permitting roughing-the-passer penalties to be reviewable.
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Recognizing the ball on the 25-yard line, as an alternative of the 20, when a touchback happens on a punt.
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Recognizing the ball on the 25-yard line on a good catch of a kickoff.
