In professional sports (NBA, NFL etc.) how do players pick their jersey numbers ? is it personal choice ?

Answer 1

the stars have thier pick other really don't have a chorce

Answer 2

In the NFL, numbers are in ranges as desingated by position. The ranges are as follows:

1-9 Quarterbacks and Kickers
10-19 Quarterbacks, Receivers, and Kickers
20-49 Running Backs and Defensive Backs
50-59 Centers and Linebackers
60-79 Defensive Linemen and Offensive Linemen
80-89 Receivers and Tight Ends
90-99 Defensive Linemen and Linebackers

Most of this is due to restrictions on offensive linemen beign eligible receivers, etc.

The Other professional leagues have no restrictions on numbers, etc...but no one gets a three digit number...

It is interesting to note that Major Leabue Baseball once told Ted Turner that he could not have Andy Messersmith have the word 'Channel' above the number '17' on his jersey.

As well, players who come to new teams and are accustomed to their old number will have to 'buy it', usually for dinner, a case of beer, or similar. Sometimes there are fits and players will change numbers...Roger Clemens became 22 witht he Yankees, etc..

Hope this helps

Answer 3

Personal choice with some restrictions. NFL restricts certain numbers to certain positions and the only way to get a number if someone else on the team already has it is usually to buy it from them.

Answer 4

In the NFL and things like Rugby Union / League, at least, the number identifies the position of the player.
< http://www.nfl.com/ce/feature/0,3783,5309280,00.html >

It used to be similar in association football, but the advent of different systems of playing (4-4-2, 4-3-3, 3-5-2 etc) and squad numbers there makes it difficult to draw any firm conclusions in my opinion

Answer 5

mosT of the time you dont get to choose but somtimes your college number will pass over if noone has the number

Answer 6

Yes, if the number they want is available.