The Patriots waited until the last minute to announce jersey numbers for the 2023 rookie class. It’s a Belichick tradition; that the rookie class has to earn their jersey numbers throughout offseason workouts and training camp. It’s customary for the Patriot’s first-year players to wear numbers of 50 or higher all spring and summer.
Ahead of their preseason opener against the Texans, the Patriots announced their rookie numbers on Twitter. These numbers are subject to change. Here they are:
No. 7: CB Isaiah Bolden
No. 9: P Bryce Baringer
No. 13: WR Thyrick Pitts
No. 16: WR/QB Malik Cunningham
No. 19: CB Christian Gonzalez
No. 28: CB Ameer Speed
No. 30: LB/S Marte Mapu
No. 37: LB Jourdan Heilig
No. 38: K Chad Ryland
No. 61: OT Sidy Sow
No. 67: C Jake Andrews
No. 68: G Atonio Mafi
No. 80: WR Kayshon Boutte
No. 81: WR Demario Douglas
No. 83: TE Johnny Lumpkin
No. 94: DT Justus Tavai
No. 99: DE Keion White
At first glance, it surprises a few, that first-round pick Christian Gonzalez didn’t get No.0. He wore it while in college and, due to the NFL’s new number rule, would be able to wear it for the Patriots. Instead, he’ll wear No. 19. No Patriots player will wear 0, but the rookie numbers aren’t final and are subject to change. Meanwhile, rookie wide receiver Demario Douglas will wear No. 81. Many Patriots fans remember the last receiver to wear that number, Hall Of Famer Randy Moss.
Some of the other noteworthy numbers are Keion White will don No.99. However, some question marks include punter Bryce Baringer wearing Matthew Judon’s No.9 and Isaiah Bolden wearing JuJu Smith-Schuster No.7. Matthew Judon shared a funny reaction when he realized a rookie punter would wear his number in the preseason.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
