The New England Patriots are sporting some different attire on the practice field this offseason.
In a departure from the team’s usual protocol, all Patriots players have worn numbered jerseys throughout organized team activities and minicamp.
Why the change? ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss explains:
“Bill Belichick has preferred to have players in numberless jerseys during spring practices, but the NFL instituted a rule in 2016 that prohibits him (and other teams) from doing so. The league is now requiring all players to wear jersey numbers when on the field in Phase 3 of the offseason program, which is organized team activities and mandatory minicamp.
“According to NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy, it was instituted to ‘ensure clubs are in compliance with workplace rules’ (e.g. injured players shouldn’t be participating) as it ‘will permit the league office and NFLPA to monitor player participation during on-field sessions.’ ”
For those who haven’t watched an OTA or minicamp practice — and they typically aren’t open to the public — compare this photo from 2014 Patriots minicamp:
To this one from 2016 minicamp, which took place last week:
That’s a pretty drastic change, and it makes it a whole lot easier to decipher which player is which. But that anonymity, according to Reiss, was one of the main reasons why Patriots head coach Bill Belichick preferred his old system.
“Belichick, similar to legendary Pittsburgh Steelers coach Chuck Noll, liked the numberless jerseys in part because it forced players to communicate more on the field while getting to know one another beyond their number,” Reiss wrote.
The Patriots will wrap up OTAs this Thursday, then enjoy a six-week break before training camp begins July 27.
Photos via Stew Milne, Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
