I’ve been a massive football fan ever since I can remember, and have always kept up with everything NFL related. I’ve always been fascinated by the incredible athletes that put their bodies on the line every Sunday, but lately I’ve been especially fascinated by those that dare to wear a number ‘0’ on their jersey.
You don’t see too many NFL players rocking the ‘0’, and that’s likely because of its connotations. Wearing zero is seen as a sign of disrespect, as some fans believe it’s an arrogant gesture. But, I’ve noticed more and more players donning the ‘0’ since it’s become more accepted; each of these guys have their own unique stories that explain why they chose it.
Take Arizona Cardinal safety Budda Baker for example. As a kid, Baker’s dad gave him the nickname ‘Human Joystick’ and Budda truly believes that it describes exactly who he is. So, when the opportunity to wear ‘0’ came up, he said it was a no brainer. He wanted to show how he embodied the ‘zero’ and how he could make the most out of any play, no matter the situation.
Another player who embraced the ‘0’ was New Orleans Saints quarterback, Taysom Hill. Hill was already a fan favorite due to his relentless work ethic and willingness to do whatever it takes to win; he wears ‘7’ on his jersey, yet his nickname is ‘the zero’. Taysom claims he chose 7 because it represented how there were no limits to how hard he worked each day for his team.
On the other side of the coin we’ve got players like Jets safety Jamal Adams and Broncos safety Justin Simmons, both of whom chose to rock the ‘0’ for different reasons besides the ‘no limits’ mindset. Simmons says he chose it to honor his father, who served in the military and was one of the most influential figures in his life. For Jamie, wearing ‘0’ is a reminder of his dad and everything he did to make him the man he is today. Adams, on the other hand, claims it’s a statement. A way for him to make his mark on the game, prove his worth, and move away from the ‘typical’ numbers that most defensive backs wear.
When it comes to the players who take on the ‘0’, it’s amazing to see how they’ve owned the jersey number. They’ve taken a highly controversial number and have filled it with meaning. To me, the number ‘0’ isn’t about arrogance or disrespect; it’s about embracing who you are and taking a risk to be different.
Going even deeper, ‘0’ can be seen as a symbol of courage and resilience; it’s a reminder to keep pushing, no matter what. These NFL players demonstrate this perfectly; they embrace their different journeys and draw strength from their own stories.
I love how these guys take control of their own narrative and use it in turn to inspire others. It takes a certain type of courage and belief to go against the tide and wear the ‘0’, and I can’t help but respect it. What these NFL players have shown by wearing ‘0’ is pretty special, and it’s certainly worth applauding.
Going beyond the individuals, the NFL needs to do more to embrace the ‘0’. It needs to celebrate the players that decide to wear it and champion their stories to the wider world. After all, each of these athletes have taken ownership of the number and breathed life into it through their own unique stories.
It’s time that the NFL celebrated the number ‘0’ for all it stands for. Not only does it represent the players that take on this number, but it also sends a powerful message to the entire league. It’s also a reminder to the NFL players that no matter what their own story is-you have the power to shape it and make something special out of it.
In addition to that, the NFL should look to provide more marketing opportunities for the players that take on the ‘0’. Such as, creating apparel with their stories emblazed across it, and partnering up with various companies to create events and merchandise that also feature ‘0’.
It’s also worth noting that the NFL could also implement internal initiatives to encourage more players to wear the ‘0’. Improving their platforms for the players to better expose their stories, reinforcing the association between the number ‘0’ and the individual players.
In order for the NFL to continue to embrace the ‘0’, it must start to actually promote the stories behind it. It should bring awareness to the background of the players who choose to wear the ‘0’ and use it to inspire young athletes. By showing the world the brave and inspiring stories of these players, it could help encourage more of them to take on the same number.
Finally, the NFL needs to provide greater recognition for the players who take on the ‘0’. Including awarding them with accolades at the end of the season or rewarding them with special rewards for taking on the number. This would be an effective strategy to help incentivize more players to take on the ‘0’ and encourage them to tell their stories.
The ‘0’ is such an interesting concept due to the impact it has. It’s no doubt unique, and has a much more powerful meaning than what meets the eye. The NFL is in a prime position to recognize and celebrate the stories of its players by embracing the ‘0’. It could not only benefit the players individually, but also be the perfect opportunity to unite the whole league, and even set an example of what it truly means to be an NFL player.