What position wears 0 in football?

Who Wears Number 0 in Football?

For decades, the number 0 was a rarity on the football field. Traditionally, jersey numbers were tightly regulated by position—quarterbacks wore numbers in the teens, linebackers in the 50s, and so on. But that started to change when, starting with the 2023 NFL season, the league made a surprising update to its jersey numbering rules.

For the first time, the number 0 became officially available again—though not for everyone. According to updated guidelines, any player except offensive and defensive linemen can now wear it. That means quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, linebackers, and defensive backs are all eligible to rock the bold, minimalist zero on their back.

While it might seem like a small detail, jersey numbers carry identity and personality in football. Number 0, once associated with outliers and rule-breakers, is now a symbol of individuality. It’s already been spotted on players like kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn of the Houston Texans and linebacker T.J. Edwards in Chicago—athletes who aren’t afraid to stand out.

The change reflects a broader shift in the NFL toward player expression. In recent years, relaxed rules have allowed more flexibility in numbers, especially for positions beyond the traditional lines. This update gives younger players more freedom to choose numbers that reflect their personal brand, even if they don’t fit the old-school molds.

So, who wears 0? Anyone not in the trenches, really. And as more athletes adopt it, the number could become a new signature look in the league—one that blends rebellion, style, and a nod to football’s evolving culture.