Kirk Cousins recently revealed that tight end Kyle Pitts had joked about giving up the No. 8 jersey so that he could be targeted more on the field. Cousins was willing to make the switch, but the NFL stepped in and informed them that they would have to buy all of the existing jerseys with Pitts’ name and No. 8 on them. The cost would have been in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, so Cousins decided to stick with his original number. Instead, he will wear No. 18 for the Atlanta Falcons this season.
During an appearance on “The Big Podcast with Shaq,” Cousins discussed the situation and mentioned the hefty price tag that came along with changing numbers. NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal chimed in, saying he would never pay for a number change, especially after hearing the amount Cousins would have had to pay. Cousins jokingly estimated that it would have cost him several hundred thousand dollars, which was not something he was willing to spend. Ultimately, he decided to go with a different number for the upcoming season.
Cousins signed a $180 million, four-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons, which included a $50 million signing bonus and $100 million guaranteed. He expressed his desire for Atlanta to be his last stop in the NFL, hoping to find success with the team and make a lasting impact. The quarterback is looking forward to stepping onto the field with the Falcons and making the most of this opportunity. The Falcons are betting big on Cousins, making a significant investment in him for the next few seasons.
The jersey number situation brought some humor to the conversation, with Pitts joking about giving up his number and Cousins considering the switch. However, the financial implications of changing numbers quickly put an end to that idea. Cousins decided that it was not worth the hefty price tag associated with buying all of the existing No. 8 jerseys with Pitts on them. Ultimately, he will wear a different number for the Falcons and focus on performing well on the field and living up to the expectations that come with his new contract.
Cousins’ decision to stick with his original number highlights the complexities of the NFL’s rules and regulations surrounding jersey changes. The league’s intervention in this situation shed light on the cost implications for players looking to switch numbers mid-career. While the initial suggestion from Pitts was made in jest, the reality of the financial commitment required to change numbers was a reminder of the business side of professional sports. Cousins and his teammates will now focus on preparing for the upcoming season and working towards success on the field.
