Eddie Jackson switching his jersey number to 4

Safety Eddie Jackson is the first Chicago Bears veteran to take advantage of the new rule allowing more jersey number flexibility among players, as he’s switching from 39 to 4, which his is old college number.

I never thought 39 was a good number for a free safety anyway. That seems more like a strong safety or fullback to me.

The number 4 is sleeker and will look better when taking a turnover back for a touchdown.

The relaxed rule, which passed earlier this year, affects running back, receivers, linebackers, and defensive backs, giving them more numerical options. Here’s what those position groups are now allowed to wear.

• Running backs: 1-49, 80-89
• Wide receivers: 1-49, 80-89
• Tight ends: 1-49, 80-90
• Linebackers: 1-59, 90-99
• Defensive backs: 1-49

Players at the other positions won’t get to partake in the new jersey fun, and here are the numbers those players get to wear.

• Quarterbacks: 1-19
• Offensive line: 50-79
• Defensive line: 50-79, 90-99
• Kickers, punters: 1-19

Jackson made the announcement earlier today on his Instagram, so there could still be some red-tape he needs to wade through to make it official.

EDIT: The Bears announced several number changes, so it’s official.

Any player wishing to change his number for the 2021 season is required to buy out the existing allotment of jerseys with their current number according to the NFL’s current jersey manufacturing rules.

Players electing to make their change for the 2022 season won’t need to buy out the existing jerseys.

Do you think any other Bears will make the change this year?