N/S how is jerry rice # 80 not retired (1 Viewer)

['79 Saints]

Marshall Faulk jersey got retired last season. So, when did the NFL tell teams to stop retiring jersey numbers?

The league put out a memo about 10-15 years ago about unretiring numbers, because if teams like the Cowboys, Raiders and Steelers all retired their great players numbers, they'd run out...

However, the league allow teams to make certain number "unavailable"... but if all other numbers were taken (i.e. a linebacker and numbers 50-59 and 90-99 are taken), then they have to allow a "unavailable" number to be used.

It's one of the reasons receivers were allowed to use numbers in the teens again.

But it is entirely up to the team to decide which numbers will be unavailable -for the most part they will be quarterbacks because there isn't a lot of demand for those (i.e. Marino's #13, Elway's #7, etc.)

 

[SoggyBottomBoy]

I didn't realize Bruce was third all-time in receiving yards.

 

[SodiumBenzoate]

If someone else is going to wear #80 for the 49ers, Isaac Bruce is as good a choice as there is.

 

[boo-boo]

Atleast the got jerry's consent