McGahee assigned #2!?

[Romes]

http://www.buffalobills.com/team/roster.cfm?sort=jersey_num

The Bills Roster that first had McGahee with the #46 jersey now has him listed as #2. If he really did wear #2 I think it be a pretty significant statement. Saying that he is special enough as a RB that he would be allowed to wear a number not assigned to his position. Afterall, we now he is in town and maybe he convinced somebody to give him the #2. It could be nothing but it suprised me to see that.

[Pride]

Any player can technically wear any number.

Keyshawn is #19

It is just looked down upon ty the NFL.

#2 for a RB is no big deal. #2 for an Offensive Tackle is a big deal.

Warren Moon was #1
Brett Favre is #4

Kickers down the right for any number under 5

[Romes]

That is what I'm saying. #2 for a RB is not normal. Obviously it is allowed if they let him wear it.

I don't know why you brought up Moon and Farve cause they are QBs. :scratch:

The thing with the #2 is I think it will make McGahee more visible once he gets on the field. I mean how many non-Bills fans know Henry's number? My guess is not many because it is a normal RB number. But McGahee will be calling attention to himself by wearing the #2 as a RB. Similar to the way Keyshawn does by wearing #19 as a WR. Its not a big deal, but just something I found interesting.

[HenryRules]

The fact Henry's # is a normal RB number doesn't have anything to do with it not being well known. The reason no few people know is because he's only had 1 star-quality season. If Henry keeps going the way he is, people will know his #.

Everyone knows Emmitt's 22 and Thurman's 34.

If McGahee seldom touches the field, no one will know his #, but if he becomes a star everyone will. The actual # will have very little impact.

Here's my comparison ... when watching tv, i (and I assume most people) don't notice when an OT lines up as a TE (unless you recognize the OT's body) even though the number is off.

[Pride]

I get what you were pointing at... I am sorry, I thought you were saying it wasnt "right" for McGahee to wear #2.

I get ya now.

[Romes]

You don't think than when your average football fan is watching a game and they see a #2 line up behind the QB their eye will be drawn to that?

If Henry wore a single diget number last year I think it would be a safe assumption that more people would know Henry's #.

[Turf]

Will it be 2 or 02?

[Romes]

2 it seems

[Turf]

The jersey he held up had an 03 on it at the press conference. Had me guessing if it was his number.

[Earthquake Enyart]

Receivers can wear numbers 10-19 in the NFL standards. All the preseason guys wear those numbers.

[SACKMARINO]

by league....

The NFL has a stict ruling on that....RB's cannont wear #2. It's all in the OFFICIAL NFL RULE BOOK. Even states that a retired number would have to be issued if it was last number available at that position. Also states that 2 players can have same number in pre-season.

[Gunzlingr]

Originally posted by Travis Hunter
The jersey he held up had an 03 on it at the press conference. Had me guessing if it was his number.

All of the class of 2003 had 03 numbered jerseys. It is indicative of their draft year.

Didn't WR Michael Jackson from the Browns wear #1?

[Pride]

Really? Interesting.

[HenryRules]

No, I don't think that the average NFL fan would notice a #2 lining up behind the QB. Maybe if they were at the game instead of watching it on tv, but if you're at the game, chances are you have a good idea what the player's numbers are if they play often. The average fan does not examine the numbers of every player on the field. They may notice if the announcer points it out, but I doubt they would.

When Dennis Rodman, whose number was well known because he was a celebrity, not vice versa, was in Chicago, he played a lot and I bet you few people that watch the NBA would have seen his number jump out because it was 91. I bet almost as many people know his #10 from Detroit as they do his #91 from the Bulls.

[Turf]

Originally posted by gunzlingr


All of the class of 2003 had 03 numbered jerseys. It is indicative of their draft year.



There's my answer.

[Mr. Miyagi]

Originally posted by SACKMARINO
by league....

The NFL has a stict ruling on that....RB's cannont wear #2. It's all in the OFFICIAL NFL RULE BOOK. Even states that a retired number would have to be issued if it was last number available at that position. Also states that 2 players can have same number in pre-season.
Can you show any proof?

[Dozerdog]

Originally posted by Mr. Miyagi

Can you show any proof? http://rjccourt85.tripod.com/jerseys.html

Not listed on this page, but allowed to use 1-19 are "specialists"

I don't know how he managed it, but Keshawn's 19 falls there. The rule was instituted in 1972, with older players grandfathered in.

It has to do with elligible numbers and where they line up on the field. Ever notice that extra linemen have to report to an official in goal line situations? It's because they are covering the end of the line of scrimmage with an inelligible number (not an 80's number)

[Romes]

Originally posted by HenryRules
The average fan does not examine the numbers of every player on the field.

I think they do with the skill position players. Mostly, WRs and RBs that is the easiest way to tell each player apart. I know i can recognize any Bills player by their stature alone. But your average fans looks at number to desitinguish players. I would think that once they see the #2 and that he is a RB that will stick out in their mind.

I agree that the player makes the number. You are missing my point. Compare how many #20 or #34 RBs there are in the league. When someone says "name a RB that was #34?" people can think Thurman, Ricky Williams, the list goes on. But how many RBs have been #2?

McGahee will be unique in that aspect and that is why it will stick out. Of course if he never plays a down in this league then no one will know his number. This is all based on the assumption that A) The league will allow him to where #2 B) At some point he gets plenty of playing time

[mikemac2001]

well the reason keyshawn got 19 was bc when he was with the jets all the wr numbers were taken so he had to take a number 1-19 thats what he wanted anyways.... then he just kept it with bucs probally could have gotten an 80 but whats the point he is number 19. i hope willis can use #2 i always wanted a number 2 bills jersey but i never wanted a christie one or a custom one.

[Dozerdog]

I think until he actually suits up on the active roster, they will placate him with the #2- who knows who will be around and who has the number he wants.

[mikemac2001]

yeah or it might be a mis-type ....he probally didnt like 42 and is still deciding he might change it again after cuts if he isnt number 2

[The_Philster]

:rolleyes: I posted the info twice on jersey numbering.
Check the NFL Bible, otherwise known as the NFL Record and fact Book, page 394 in the 2002 edition
or look (again) here (http://www.billszone.com/fanzone/showthread.php?s=&postid=208854#post208854)

[Romes]

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20030502/capt.1051908848new_look_bills_bf101.jpg

here he is #2 and all. Suprised they are having him running some drills.

[The_Philster]

I'd be very surprised if he keeps that number...unless the NFL has made a rule change

[The Spaz]

You can wear any # you want just that the league doesn't like it that much. Besides he obviously like #2 he wore it college. let him wear it big deal. Go Bills!

[mikemac2001]

hes a kicker and Running back

[HenryRules]

I think Bills fans that cannot recognize a player by appearance will not know that #2 is a strange number for an RB.

[The Spaz]

A kicker couldn't hole McGahee's jock...lol:)! Go Bills!

[G. Host]

That is not a quote but that is how some people look at punters but if he REALLY wanted to get away with wearing a #2 he could claim to be a P/RB (there have been punters who worked other positions) so he could legallly wear it.

But I think it is a place holder to hold off all the custom jersey makers before he gets his actual number. The Bills want their money from official jerseys and who knows what number will be available after camp.

[The_Philster]

Originally posted by The Spaz
You can wear any # you want just that the league doesn't like it that much. Besides he obviously like #2 he wore it college. let him wear it big deal. Go Bills!

It's a numbering system that's been in effect since 1973..unless he entered the league before 1972, he can't wear anything other than a number between 20-49...don't like it? Talk to the NFL...those are the rules.

[The Spaz]

Just like Keyshawn Johnson right? I say f the rules. Rules are meant to be broken! Go Bills!

[WCoastFin]

Originally posted by Romes
http://www.buffalobills.com/team/roster.cfm?sort=jersey_num

The Bills Roster that first had McGahee with the #46 jersey now has him listed as #2. If he really did wear #2 I think it be a pretty significant statement. Saying that he is special enough as a RB that he would be allowed to wear a number not assigned to his position. Afterall, we now he is in town and maybe he convinced somebody to give him the #2. It could be nothing but it suprised me to see that.

Either that or a big spoiled baby who cried in the draft and now is crying for his number....:o:

[The Spaz]

Hey at least he has soem recognition coming in unlike E-D-D-I-E freaking M-O-O-R-E lol:)! Go Bills!

[The_Philster]

Originally posted by The Spaz
Just like Keyshawn Johnson right? I say f the rules. Rules are meant to be broken! Go Bills!


two things
one..KEYSHAWN IS A WR....McGahee is a RB
WRs and TEs were given an extra set of numbers they could use (WRs 1-19, TEs 40-49) because their set of numbers 80-89, is so small...RBs and DBs are not the same thing. I'll bet you 5000 zonebucks McGahee will not wear anything outside of 20-49 September 7th.
Two...You can't f the rules...the equipment manager is given his orders by the Bills and the Bills have to follow the rules given by the NFL. This isn't a anarchy, for Christ's sake. :rolleyes:



Sorry for the outburst but GOD...why would anyone think that one player should get to have rules made especially for him?

[The Spaz]

You say the rules are great annd it is a big deal to wear a certain #'s for certain positions? Who gives a damn he's wearing a uniform who gives a damn what # he has on as long as he is wearing a jersey with a # on it. I don't. Go Bills!

[Snake]

Shall I take them out for ya? ;)

Well said. Who cares what number Willis McGahee is wearing, as long as it's a Buffalo Bills jersey.

[The_Philster]

Originally posted by The Spaz
You say the rules are great annd it is a big deal to wear a certain #'s for certain positions? Who gives a damn he's wearing a uniform who gives a damn what # he has on as long as he is wearing a jersey with a # on it. I don't. Go Bills!

:rolleyes:
I suppose if you think it's all right to rob a bank then it's ok. When you're running the NFL, you can make the rules.

BTW, I notice you didn't take my bet.

[The Spaz]

There's a big difference between robbing a bank and wearing a jersey. Tell we what's wrong with wearing whatever # you want, explaing to me how badly it effects the football game? Go Bills!

[casdhf]

Deion wore #2 in camp a few times, he never took it the the regular season

[HenryRules]

Philster, the reason that robbing a bank is wrong has nothing to do with the fact that there are rules against it. Are you saying that if robbing a bank was not illegal, that you would rob banks? Or at the very least feel that the robbing of a bank was morally acceptable? Right and wrong are not the same as legal and illegal. Equating the two is a sign of surrending your morality to others.

This is a sport, and the rules in sports should not be set in stone. A rule such as the #'s rule, which IMO provides no competitive aspect whatsover and only creates stupid penalties when somebody fails to report, should be changed. If you think that failure-to-report should have an impact on games, you have a different interest in sports than I do. Whether the rule change requires someone with a star-quality like McGahee (agree with the pick or not, he definitely has the ear of the national media) or not, I don't care, but the rules for #'s are outdated and should be changed to accomodate any number.

[The Spaz]

That's what I'm talking about Willis I mean Henry Rules...lol:)! Go Bills!

[Dozerdog]

The NFL rulebook has restrictions on the type of formations the offense can use.

Notice there are no formations with the center on one end of the line, and 6 guys to the right? Or that all the WR's and RBs line up behind the QB? That's because the rules state you must have a minimum 7 men on the line of scrimmage.

You must also have each end of the LoS "Covered" (an elligible receiver must be on the LoS at each end). In most cases, it's the TE on one side, and the WR on the other.

The offense has 5 designated "elligible" receivers. they are designated BY THEIR UNIFORM NUMBER 20-49, 80-89, and in rare occasions, 1-19 (WR's or "specialists" only). These numbers are used by the officials to figure out what offensive players are allowed to cross the line of scrimmage before the ball is thrown on pass plays.

Ever wonder why when the offense lines up in a goal line situation the extra tackle or guard brought in has to "report" to an official? Because he is wearing a number that is not elligible If this player fails to report and covers the end of the LoS (see above) it is an illegal formation and a penalty. If he reports to an official before the play he becomes elligible.


The best example was the famous no call on the pass interference in the Giants-49ers playoff game this past season. On the FG attempt, the guard was "covering" (the last guy on the end of the LoS) during the FG. Since he wore an inelligible number (in the 60's) he reported to the head linesman. When the kick was botched, being an elligible receiver (because he reported) he ran down the field in an attempt to catch a pass. He was hauled down before the ball got to him by a 49er defender.

The reason the back judge didn't call a penalty on pass interference is because he was wearing an inelligable number and he didn't realize he reported. The officials rely heavily on those numbers to make certain calls.

Now, if we just chuck the number rule it would really make the ref's job even more difficult. The NFL rule book is by far the thickest of any team sport rules. The numbers are there to fufill a very specific reason.

It's a subtle nuance of the game, but it's there for a reason.

It's an extreamly silly thing to get all worked up about, anyways. A player could wear XX, a big yellow smilie face :) or 666 in practice. It's what he wears in a real game that matters.

[The Spaz]

Nice read but why should it be a big deal is what I'm saying? Go Bills!

[Dozerdog]

Well, I explained why.

Can't do more than that.

[The Spaz]

What the refs have to just remember #'s not names. Maybe if they weren't old and decrepid they could rermber players names and #'s hence the phantom flags all the time. I'm just saying a # on a jersey doesn't effect an outcome of the game If the player wants a certain # big deal as long as there's only 1 number like that on your team. Go Bills!

[HenryRules]

I know that rule, and don't think #'s aren't important for the enforcement of that rule. If a ref can remember the guy that reported in, why can't he just remember the guys that are eligible on the line of scrimmage. Do you think anyone is going to mistake Eric Moulds, Josh Reed, Willis McGahee, or another receiver-type person with Mike Williams?

The offense comes to the line, the refs can look and see who lines up eligible and who doesn't at that time. We have rules against illegal motion, so they don't have to worry about everyone on the offense running around and confusing the officials. We also have instant reply if the improper call was made ... considering how seldom ineligible receiver penalties are called, this would seldom be an issue anyway.

[Mr. Miyagi]

Spaz, I don't think it could explain it any more clearly than Dozer already did. It was clear and precise and it made perfect sense. That's how the rules are and that's how they're going to be.

It's not "what's the big deal". It's a rule and Dozer just explained the reason for the existence of the rule. Your argument seems like it should be directed to the Commissioner of the NFL instead of the rest of us.

[The Spaz]

It's my opinion! I have that right. I am saying why not change the rules. That's the whole point get it now! Go Bills!

[Dozerdog]

Originally posted by HenryRules
I know that rule, and don't think #'s aren't important for the enforcement of that rule. If a ref can remember the guy that reported in, why can't he just remember the guys that are eligible on the line of scrimmage. Do you think anyone is going to mistake Eric Moulds, Josh Reed, Willis McGahee, or another receiver-type person with Mike Williams?

The offense comes to the line, the refs can look and see who lines up eligible and who doesn't at that time. We have rules against illegal motion, so they don't have to worry about everyone on the offense running around and confusing the officials. We also have instant reply if the improper call was made ... considering how seldom ineligible receiver penalties are called, this would seldom be an issue anyway.

Well, there are a lot of Refs on the field and they are pretty spread out. It would be very time consuming to inform every ref on every play who's elligible and who's not.

And you know a coach will just abuse the system with some gimmick formation each play- moving guys all around. Then toss in ther "Fog of War"- 22 bodies crashing around- you would never know who's who. That's why you have the numbers the way they are.

These guys aren't sitting on their fat asses like you and I are every weekend from the arm chair, calling everything right because we have the benefit of a big screen TV, 22 camera angles, and slow motion. ( not to mention Beers in our system that always make us right,...er...smarter :) )

Who really freakin cares what number he is anyways? Issue him one and move on with the season!



It's like arguing with my nephew. (he's 6)

"I want Blue Hair"

"No"

"Why"

"Because"

"Because why?"

"Because"

"Because why?"

"Because"




Spaz- you are entitled to whatever opinion you want. I'm just informing you what the league's angle is. Take it anyway you please. I'm neutral on the issue. Put him in a pink tutuu if it will win the Super Bowl.

[The Spaz]

I don't like the answer because at all! Either you have a reason to do something or not and you have to have an answer for it. That's probably why I didn't reenlist id the miltary because they gave you dumb jobs to do and when you asked why they said because. Go Bills!

[Dozerdog]

:huh:

[The Spaz]

exactly! Go Bills!