X

Steelers Rumors: Justin Fields, Russell Wilson's Jersey Numbers Revealed after Trade

Adam WellsMarch 28, 2024

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 07: Justin Fields #1 of the Chicago Bears takes off running during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 07, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
John Fisher/Getty Images

Fans who have been eagerly anticipating the jersey reveal for Justin Fields and Russell Wilson as members of the Pittsburgh Steelers may not have to wait much longer.

Per David Kaplan of ESPN 1000 in Chicago (starts at 2:35 mark), Wilson will don his traditional No. 3 with the Steelers, but Fields is going to wear No. 5 in the black and yellow.

Wilson's number wasn't much of a surprise since he previously shared a video unboxing a bunch of Steelers No. 3 jerseys with his last name after signing with the team.

Russell Wilson @DangeRussWilson

New Threads! ⚫️🟡 #3 <a href="https://twitter.com/steelers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@steelers</a> <a href="https://t.co/vT4RptFCFu">pic.twitter.com/vT4RptFCFu</a>

Wilson has worn the No. 3 for his entire professional career. He used the No. 16 in college at both North Carolina State and Wisconsin, but he switched things up when he got to the NFL as a third-round draft pick by the Seattle Seahawks in 2012.

Fields has used the No. 1 dating back to his time playing high school football in Kennesaw, Georgia. He kept it during his lone season at the University of Georgia in 2018 and after transferring to Ohio State in 2019.

The Steelers are apparently particular about which numbers they give out. Wide receiver George Pickens told the Arthur Moats Experience with Deke podcast (h/t Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot) in December 2022 he tried to get the No. 1, but the club declined because "I think it's sacred or something like that."

Only four players in Steelers history who appeared in a game have ever worn the No. 1 jersey. Kicker Gary Anderson was the last person to use it from 1982 to 1994.

Anthony Wright, who was the fourth-string quarterback as an undrafted rookie in 1999, is the last player on the roster who got the number. He never appeared in a game in his lone season with the club.