Patriots Linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley Reveals New Uniform Number

Patriots lineman Ja’Whaun Bentley will use the NFL’s new uniform number policy. He is one of the many players who will get into the groove.

The New England Patriots linebacker and co-captain took to social media to share the latest news. He announced that he will ditch the No.51 jersey. Bentley had this number throughout his entire pro career. Now he is making a change and yes, he will be wearing No.8.

The NFL loosened the jersey number restrictions earlier in the offseason. NFL linebackers will be able to wear numbers from 1 to 59 or 90 to 99. Linebackers had to pick for numbers in the 40s, 50s, and 90s in the past. Things changed and Bentley is pretty happy about it.

Patriots veteran Bentley to win games with his new jersey number

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick doesn’t like the new rule. Moreover, he hates it. The new rules expand the range of allowed numbers for offensive skill players. This includes receivers, tight ends, and running backs. They can wear numbers 1 through 49 and 80 through 90. Defensive backs are also involved in the new rule. This goes from Nos. 1 through 49.

Linemen, quarterbacks, and specialists will be subjected to the same guidelines as previous seasons.

Bentley wore No.4 in college in Purdue. He is the first Patriots player to confirm the number change since the new rules stepped into effect. Patriots veteran Kyle Van Noy will stick to No. 53. He confirmed the information last month.

The Patriots are entering the new season as favorites to make the Super Bowl. Numerous experts believe that Belichick got the best of the offseason. He signed many players in free agency and also brought new names through the NFL Draft. Mac Jones joined the Patriots through the 15th overall pick. He will learn under Cam Newton. Jarrett Stidham adds depth to the quarterback group.

Belichick signed Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith as top stars in the offseason. He adds depth to the roster and this is the perfect plan. The Patriots missed the playoffs in 2021 and Belichick is taking a different approach this season. Team owner Robert Kraft took notice of Belichick’s free agency splurge and he is fine with it.