Number 5
Local Metro New Orleans fans will get their first look at Reggie Bush in a Saints uniform this weekend. The Saints are holding their annual rookie camp. He’s not signed yet but he’s going to participate. He’ll wear Number 5 if the NFL allows him. I can’t imagine them not making an exception, in his case, to the ridiculous rules that certain position players have to wear a certain series of numbers. He is instantly recognizable in the Number 5. Running backs are supposed to wear jerseys in the 20s through 40s. Drew Brees will be wearing Number 9 this season. Quarterbacks are supposed to wear jerseys from 0 to 20 so he’s safe. If Reggie gets his 5, you’ll hear a lot about 9 to 5 this season and Dolly Parton’s voice will be filling the SuperDome. I wasn’t the first one to notice that tidbit. I suspect/hope we will be hearing that all season. Or maybe they'll work in a reference from Short Circuit. The robot hero in that film was Number 5. Possibilities, possibilities.
120 days until football season...........................
Quote of the Day
Along comes a guy who makes No. 5 famous during an incredible college career, and you're telling me he can't wear that number as a professional. That makes no sense. What about merchandising? The NFL are masters at that. Think of all the No. 5s the Saints will sell. I can't imagine Reggie wearing 15, 25, 35. He belongs in No. 5.
Paul Hornung, NFL Hall-of-Famer
Blog of the day here.
Quote from said blog: "I'm trying to think of three good reasons not to go, and of course they all involve work. I can think of about 27 good reasons to go, and some of them involve work."
I agree with Hornung - I can't imagine why they wouldn't. 1-19 are normally reserved for QBs, punters, and kickers, and no NFL team would ever carry so many of those that the numbers would be exhausted. That's one of the reasons why receivers can get their hands on those numbers, in fact - 80-89 is rather a crowded demographic for jerseys.
I understand that the league wants to make it easy on officials trying to judge who's an eligible receiver and whatnot... but in this case I'd relent.
In fact, I'd make 50-79 the "ineligible list," reserved for all down lineman and linebackers, and open anything else to receivers, d-backs, etc. As I recall, Keith Byars and Todd Christiansen wore #46 because they were listed as runners, even though they invariably lined up at tight end.
Both were RBs early in their careers.