There’s much more than meets the eye as to how an NFL football player is assigned his jersey number. Typically, a new player is allowed to choose any available number designated by rule for the position he plays. For example, An offensive lineman can select any number between 50-79.
Below is a chart showing the NFL’s number designations by position.
What exactly is considered an “available” number in Dallas? It’s a bit more restrictive than simply a number not already in use.
The Cowboys are one of four teams (Oakland, Pittsburgh, Washington) with a no-retirement policy regarding jersey numbers.