Cardinals LB Isaiah Simmons changes jersey to No. 9
Jun 1, 2021, 4:09 PM | Updated: Jun 2, 2021, 8:31 am
Linebacker Isaiah Simmons #48 of the Arizona Cardinals stands on the field during the Red & White Practice at State Farm Stadium on August 28, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
After rocking No. 48 his rookie season, Arizona Cardinals linebacker Isaiah Simmons is mixing it up in Year 2.
The inside linebacker is changing his jersey number to No. 9 this year, the team announced Tuesday.
The switch comes after the number’s previous owner, quarterback Cole McDonald, was released last Thursday.
The swap means every available single-digit number is accounted for this upcoming season. No. 8 is retired in honor of former safety Larry Wilson.
🚨 New Number Alert 🚨 pic.twitter.com/phbnyuytmQ
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) June 1, 2021
Simmons joins Chase Edmonds, Budda Baker, James Conner and Byron Murphy to make the move to single digits in 2021.
The new looks come after the NFL began allowing new position groups the opportunity to wear single digits this offseason.
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Starting seven of his 16 games played in 2020, Simmons made 54 tackles, four of which were for losses, two sacks, an interception, two passes defensed and a forced fumble.
In his second season, Simmons is projected to start alongside rookie linebacker Zaven Collins.
Outside of Simmons, two other Cardinals changed numbers in the past week.
Wide receiver Krishawn Johnson now sports No. 82, while undrafted rookie tight end Bruno Labelle moves to No. 35.
Players who made the change won’t have to wait long to see it in person, as the Cardinals open up voluntary OTAs Wednesday.
