Reddick picks a jersey number suitable for a ‘weapon’

Reddick picks a jersey number suitable for a ‘weapon’

Earlier this week, Haason Reddick was torn about which jersey number he should wear with the Eagles.

He had worn only 43 in the NFL with the Cardinals and then with the Panthers, but coming back to Philadelphia, there were also the numbers 58 and 7 that he wore with Temple.

On Thursday, Reddick announced his decision:

Reddick, 27, wore the No. 7 his final year at Temple. The Owls give out single digits to their toughest players and they are voted on by their teammates. So this number clearly means something to him.

And it’s a number he didn’t even have the choice to wear earlier in his NFL career. Before a new rule in 2021, NFL linebackers were allowed to wear any numbers from 40-59 or 90-99. But last year, a rule passed expanding it to 1-59 and 90-99.

So now Reddick is taking full advantage of that rule change. While the Eagles are calling him a linebacker and some folks call him an edge rusher, Reddick calls himself a "weapon” and the No. 7 seems suitable for a weapon.

This decision means third-string quarterback Reid Sinnett will have to change numbers after wearing 7 in 2021. Perhaps Reddick will break off Sinnett a little bit off his nearly $14 million signing bonus.

This also means that the No. 43 will remain vacant for now. No one has worn the number since Darren Sproles in 2019. The No. 58 has been worn by Genard Avery the last few seasons. Avery is now a free agent.

Here’s a look back at every Eagle who has worn the No. 7: Reid Sinnett (2021), Nate Sudfeld (2017-20), Sam Bradford (2015), Michael Vick (2009-13), Jeff Garcia (2007), Sean Landeta (1999-02, 2005), Bobby Hoying (1996-98), Ken O’Brien (1993), Roger Ruzek (1989-92), Ron Jaworski (1977-86), John Reaves (1973-74), Jim Ward (1971), John Huarte (1968), Roy Zimmerman (1943-46), Dick Frahm (1935).

https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/eagles/nfl-free-agency-2022-eagles-haason-reddick-picks-his-jersey-number