What positions can wear 0 in football?

Why You’re Seeing More Players Wearing No. 0 in the NFL

For decades, jersey number 0 was absent from the NFL field—until recently. Starting in the 2023 season, the league opened the door for players to wear No. 0 as part of an update to its jersey numbering rules. This change marked a shift in tradition, allowing a number once considered off-limits to finally make its debut.

Any player not classified as an offensive or defensive lineman can now choose No. 0. That means skill-position athletes—quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, linebackers, and defensive backs—are eligible. Linemen, who have long been restricted to specific number ranges, still cannot wear it under current rules.

The move reflects a broader trend in the NFL toward flexibility and player expression. In recent years, the league has relaxed several uniform policies, including allowing players to wear jersey numbers that better reflect their identities. The introduction of No. 0 fits neatly into that evolution, giving athletes more freedom to stand out.

While still relatively rare, a handful of players have already embraced the number. It’s not just a stylistic choice—it’s symbolic. Wearing 0 can represent a fresh start, a personal challenge, or even a nod to legacy; some athletes see it as a blank slate, a way to forge their own path.

As jersey norms continue to shift, seeing No. 0 on the field may become more common. What was once unthinkable is now part of the game’s changing culture—another sign that even small details like a number on a jersey can carry meaning beyond the stat sheet.