Patriots officially re-issue Rob Gronkowski’s number

[Street Knowledge]

Gronk ain’t even retired yet. When he does retire I’m sure the team will induct him into the Patriots Hall of Fame and will have his number retired by the team. There’s 90 players on the roster at training camp/preseason and about 100 numbers available, deduct the 7(8 with #12 being untouchable)numbers already retired and you are left with 92 numbers for 90 players. When the rosters do cut down to 53, that #87 will not be issued to anyone for the regular season.

If 87 will not be issued to anyone for the regular season why give it at all?

 

[Raquinotj]

If 87 will not be issued to anyone for the regular season why give it at all?

because there’s only 93 numbers available and 90 players at camp. By rule you can’t have 3 digit numbers in the back of jerseys.