Linebacker David Long Jr. of the Miami Dolphins is making a change for the upcoming season by switching back to his college number, 11. Long previously wore number 51 during his first five NFL seasons, including his first year with the Dolphins in 2023.
He wasn’t able to take his preferred number last season due to wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. holding onto it. However, Wilson has since joined the New Orleans Saints as a free agent, opening up the opportunity for Long to reclaim number 11.
NFL rules have recently been updated to allow linebackers to wear numbers ranging from 10-59 or 90-99, hence why Jaelan Phillips is now wearing number 15. While the Dolphins roster still displays Long with number 51, the team typically announces new jersey numbers after the draft and rookie signings.
In addition to Long’s number change, other Dolphins players will also be selecting new numbers for the upcoming season. Safety Jordan Poyer has confirmed he will be keeping number 21, which became available when DeShon Elliott signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. New cornerback Kendall Fuller is expected to wear number 29, previously owned by Brandon Jones who signed with Denver.
Center Aaron Brewer, who has worn numbers 62 and 55 in the past, has a choice between the two available numbers for the Dolphins. It will be interesting to see the new jersey numbers assigned to the Miami Dolphins players as they gear up for the upcoming season.
