San Francisco’s wide receiver, Deebo Samuel, has decided to switch his jersey number to No. 1 for the upcoming 2024 season. This announcement came via his social media platforms. Previously, throughout his NFL career, Samuel had worn No. 19. Additionally, he plans to update his nameplate to “Samuel Sr.” as he is the father of Tyshun Jr.
In recent times, the NFL has relaxed its uniform policies, allowing more flexibility for players to don single-digit numbers, a privilege previously reserved mostly for quarterbacks, kickers, and punters. As a result, Samuel, who had worn No. 1 during his college days at South Carolina, sees the opportunity to revert to that number in the NFL.
The desire to switch to No. 1 isn’t new for Samuel. In 2021, when the NFL first relaxed its jersey number rules, both Samuel and safety Jimmie Ward expressed interest in wearing No. 1. However, Ward was granted priority due to his longer tenure with the 49ers. With Ward’s departure in free agency a year ago, the number became available once again.
Typically, players requesting an immediate number change are obliged to purchase any unsold inventory of their previous jerseys, which can be costly, especially for popular players like Samuel, whose No. 19 jersey is widely available. However, if Samuel had notified the league of his desire to change his number when Ward departed, he wouldn’t incur any expenses. The NFL permits players to switch numbers without cost if they give a year’s notice, allowing the league’s apparel department time to adjust inventory accordingly.
While some fans who own Samuel’s No. 19 jerseys might be disappointed by the switch, the demand for Samuel’s No. 1 jerseys is expected to soar.