It’s been said that the letters NFL stand for “No Fun League,” with myriad regulations in the pro football rule book. Some of those stipulations have even outlawed end-zone celebrations in the past.
Those days are thankfully over, with robust celebrations in the National Football League after nearly every touchdown. Additionally, the NFL has loosened its restrictions on what jersey numbers certain positions are allowed to wear, letting skill-players, and linebackers, too, don single-digit numbers.
Raiders wide receiver Zay Jones jumped at the opportunity and switched from No. 12 to No. 7. But why? He told the story during media availability from training camp on Friday, and it’s a good one, involving coach Jon Gruden and two great Raiders from years past.
“I wore seven in high school. It was my favorite number. And I wore it in college as well,” Jones said. “When the opportunity came to wear the single-digit number, I wanted seven. And seven is the number of completion. It’s just something I’ve always loved and stuck with.”
The number of completion refers to the significance of No. 7 in the Bible. There are seven days in the week, for example, due to the book’s text. Some scholars say the number represents completeness or perfection.
But Jones, who thought the single-digit news was a joke at first, still went to clear his choice with Gruden. After Jones talked to the Raiders’ equipment manager, Jones was told he’d have to wait and see. He didn’t wait long to approach his head coach, however.
“I went into the weight room the next day, and I saw Gruden,” Jones said. “I was like, ‘coach, can I please wear No. 7?’ And he [said], ‘No. 7? That’s an ugly number. No good receivers wear low-digit numbers.’
“And I was like, ‘yes they do. Freddie Biletnikoff wore 25. Cliff Branch wore 21.’ So he was kind of stunned and kind of ate his words. He [said], ‘Okay, I’ll see what I can do.’ So sure enough, I came into the locker room and seven was there available for me.”
Jones knew right where to go with that conversation. Gruden returned to the Raiders, in large part, because of the franchise’s unique history. Nice move from the new No. 7.
And besides, he’s right. The late, great Cliff Branch is likely the best WR to ever wear No. 21. And Fred Biletnikoff won a Super Bowl MVP with the Raiders wearing No. 25 and is in the Hall of Fame.
Plus, Raiders WR Henry Ruggs III wears No. 11. But single-digit numbers are a different animal, and Gruden was likely just having some fun with Jones.
Regardless of what number Jones wears, he should have a great opportunity this season to take his career to another level. He’s been sure to establish elite rapport with quarterback Derek Carr, even buying a home in Las Vegas so they can train more often.
Jones is just 26 years old and should be in prime form to contribute to a Raiders resurgence. That’s all Gruden wants, too, and if Jones has a breakout season, the Las Vegas head coach might want all his receivers to wear single-digit numbers moving forward.