Jared Verse shows up for practice in No. 8, even though it's Dillon Gabriel's number (for now)
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Jared Verse, a new member of the Cleveland Browns, has taken jersey No. 8, which was previously issued to quarterback Dillon Gabriel, creating an unusual overlap during practice.
- Although teams can allow duplicate numbers during the 90-man offseason roster, it is uncommon and awkward for players to wear the same number, especially when one is a potential starter and the other is likely a third-string player.
- Verse's decision to simply wear No. 8, rather than purchasing it from Gabriel as is common in NFL culture, highlights the team's control over jersey numbers and the expectation that more valuable players should receive priority.
- The Browns are expected to resolve the situation soon, as Verse jerseys are already available for preorder, and official number assignments are needed for printing and distribution.
- This incident underscores the broader, sometimes bizarre culture of buying and transferring jersey numbers within NFL teams, where the team ultimately owns the numbers and can reassign them as needed.