Oct 8, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) comes off the field before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
ArticlesNFLBy Kevin Harrish on November 14, 2023
Before the 2021 season, the NFL relaxed its rules on jersey numbers, allowing defensive players all over the field to wear single-digit numbers – and Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes is not exactly pleased with the change.
During an interview with Peyton and Eli Manning, Patrick Mahomes complained about the recent rule change, pointing out that it made it harder for quarterbacks to read opposing defense.
“It’s even crazier now because everybody can wear the single digits,” Mahomes said according to Pro Football Talk. “We actually go in every week and we really emphasize the numbers because when you’ve got a number like No. 7 playing middle linebacker, that can really mess with your tells for the o-linemen. It looks cool, I’ll give everybody that, but it makes it a little difficult for the QB.”
Mahomes said that before the change, it was much easier to quickly differentiate the defensive personnel groupings since defensive backs and linebackers had to wear different numbers. But with that rule now gone, it’s much more difficult.
“You get these guys who rotate in, and you’ll get a DB who’s in the 40s and a linebacker in single digits,” Mahomes said. “Having to really recognize that quickly.”
It’s probably safe to say that Mahomes is not the only one who feels this way.
