Move over Gilbert Arenas, there’s a new Agent Zero in Washington, D.C.
The Commanders have announced that Marcus Mariota will be wearing the unusual number 0 this season, making him the first quarterback in NFL history to sport this number.
The decision for Mariota to wear No. 0 comes after the NFL relaxed its jersey numbering rules, allowing players on both offense and defense to wear single-digit numbers. In 2023, the league took it a step further by permitting players to wear No. 0 for the first time in decades.
Over 20 players opted for the unique number in 2023, including players in various positions such as running backs, receivers, linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties.
Mariota, who previously wore No. 8 during his time at Oregon and with the Titans and Raiders, and later switched to No. 1 in Atlanta, had to find a new number in Washington since No. 1 was taken by receiver Jahan Dotson and No. 8 was claimed by running back Brian Robinson.
As a result, Mariota will be the first quarterback to join the No. 0 club in 2024.
