Is the number 0 banned in football?

Is the Number 0 Allowed in Football?

Yes, the number 0 is back in the game—but with some rules. Starting in the 2023 NFL season, the league made a change that brought a long-dormant digit back to the field. For decades, the number 0 was effectively banned, with jersey numbers strictly limited to 1–99. But that changed when the NFL expanded its jersey numbering system to give players more flexibility, especially younger ones looking to stand out.

The number 0 is now permitted for any position—except offensive and defensive linemen. That means quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, linebackers, and defensive backs can all wear a 0 on their back, provided their team issues it to them. It’s a nod to college football, where the number has been used for years by stars like former Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray, who famously wore 0 before going pro.

The return of 0 isn’t just about style; it’s a cultural shift. In recent years, players have pushed for more individual expression, and jersey numbers have become part of that identity. Think of Patrick Mahomes (15) or JuJu Smith-Schuster (3), who’ve broken tradition by opting for non-traditional numbers at their positions. The number 0 fits right into that trend—bold, modern, and unmistakably unique.

Still, no player in the NFL has officially worn 0 yet, at least not to start the 2023 season. But with the door now open, it’s only a matter of time before someone straps on that single, striking digit. Whether it’s a flashy rookie or a veteran reinventing their image, the number 0 is no longer banned—it’s just waiting for its moment.