It used to be any football fan could tell what position a player is as he lined up just by viewing his jersey number. That is no longer the case.
Why the change? And, is there a connection between lower numbers and production?
A new rule
In 1973, the NFL standardized jersey numbers by position. Then in 2021, the NFL rulebook made a change to the jersey numbering system that blew up the old system.
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The reason? With practice squads elevating to 16 players plus the various injury lists, many positions were running out of numerals.