It’s a story I know
By 2021, the NFL had a restriction on the back number by position.
This was introduced in 1973 to clarify the distinction of positions when the TV was reduced.
It was a strong regulation that could be almost absolute before the 2000s.
Until recently, it has been hardened with quite old traditions.
(This limit has been greatly released in 2021, now that OL is not except 50 ~ 79.)
To roughly distinguish,
(The position image that comes to mind when you look at the back number instead of the exact distinction)
1~9: K, P
10~19 : QB
20 ~ 49: RB, CB, S (preferred 20,30, 40)
50~59 : C, LB
60~69 : G
70~79 : OT
80 ~ 89: WR, te
90 ~ 99: DT, the
So I might think that there are few number of stars in the NFL before the 2010s
That is because the number of digits was traditionally considered the number of K and P.
As a side note, there was no such restriction from the beginning. It meant to respect student freedom.
Marcus Cole
Marcus Cole is a senior football analyst at Archysport with over a decade of experience covering the NFL, college football, and international football leagues. A former NCAA Division I player turned journalist, Marcus brings an insider's understanding of the game to every breakdown. His work focuses on tactical analysis, draft evaluations, and in-depth game previews. When he's not breaking down film, Marcus covers the intersection of football culture and the communities it shapes across America.
