Jersey numbers (in FOF, but also otherwise)

[QuikSand]

So, I know FOF isn't a game where we see a lot on-screen, so this stuff doesn't matter much. However, I thought it might be interesting to share some of my thoughts on jersey numbers - in my leagues where I get into the details, I fiddle with this a fair bit, and I wouldn't be surprised if I have some company in doing so. I bet some of my quirks are unique, but some are not.

Anyway...


OVERALL

I like the basic NFL conventions, and in quite a lot of cases, I have no problem with most of them. I still wrankle a bit at seeing receivers wearing "quarterback" jersey numbers, but I'm getting over it. And yes, get off my lawn, I know, I know.

I also happen to like the college concept of "prestige jersey numbers" and on some of my FOF teams, I will employ that tactic -- numbers like 1,2,6 and so forth are, in my mind, worthy of handing out judiciously.

GLOBAL QUIRKS

I am fond of handing out a jersey numeral that harkens back to the player's draft. My teams are littered with "favorite" players (at appropriate positions, but not always so) with jersey number #31, for instance, after I drafted them with pick 1.31 of the draft. Less often, but sometimes, I will connect to the overall pick as well (OL drafted with pick 2.31 might get #63). I occasionally will hand out a number like 5 or 7 to a guy who looks intriguing but was from round 5 or 7 of the draft.

All I write below is prone to occasional NFL-related overrides. I had a sometimes-stud RB in IHOF named Foreman, and he definitely got Chuck's #44.

RB/FB

Basically, my main thing here (and in some other places) is that I like the size of the numeral to have some connection to the size/style of the back. I push most of my fullbacks into the 40s or at least high 30s, that's the most clear example. My main ball carriers are a mix -- fairly often my shifty guys will get low-20s numbers (or prestige numbers like 1 or 6) but my every-down guys are in the 30s.

WR

80s are fine, generally. #80 makes me think about Jerry Rice, so if I am paying attention, I mentally carve that off as a prestige number. Best/preferred numbers in the series are, for whatever reason: 84, 86, 89, 81, 82.

I also (theme here) like dropping in a WR with jersey number #8 or #18 -- the last digit connecting to the presumed first digit for the position. I do this at other positions as well, notably (for whatever reason) LB where I like using 5 and 15 for prestige LB stars.

TE

Not sure why, but I like TEs with numbers in the 40s, especially 48, 44, and 40. I don't go way out of my way, but any time I pay attention I look for a fit.

Prestige number here (or at FB) is #4.

OL

Don't really care much. I jam guys into the 70s sometimes just because I really don't like that number series on defense much.

DL

I just like the numerals in the 90s for my DL much more than the 70s or 50s. That's about it...maybe some size preference (99 for a 370lb DT, 90 for an edge-rushing end), and occasionally I will use 49, 59, or even 9 and 19 as hand-picked numbers here, especially for undersized guys.

LB

Reverse of DL - my LB generally should be in the 50s, not the 90s or 70s. Preferred numbers for guys I like would be, again for no clear reason: 57, 55, 50, 52. I get a little queasy seeing a non-stud wearing LT's 56.

Prestige numbers here for me are 15 and 5, and undersized coverage-first guys will sometimes get tagged with 35, 25, or 45.

DB - size bias again - I like my hard-hitting strong safeties up in the 40s, and a guy worthy of DS49 suits me fine. Cover corners down in the 20s, careful with Deion's #21 as both a high bar and a sissy stigma, but past that no real preferences.

ST - Guys I like get slotted universally here. Punters are #4, kickers are #3, and long snappers are #69.

[QuikSand]

It can be left as an exercise for the reader whether my prime football influence was 1980s NFL or the Tecmo Bowl series. I don't think any other conclusion is supportable.

[Dutch]

I was half expecting something along the lines of employing the low single digit to potential boom players, starters or DNC players. Definitely surprised with the "tradition" aspects of your post. As for me, I'm just glad FOF doesn't employ fonts like the ones the Bucs use.

[cuervo72]

You know, it's weird. I'm really into jerseys and by extension jersey numbers, but they've never really connected in FOF or OOTP for me. I can tell you that Jackie Percy was #4, and Kent Gill was #12...and that's about it. I might be able to remember a couple more from IHOF if I really thought about it, but that's thanks to Alf's work in Madden than anything.

The numbers are there on the in-game player pages and they appear on the html player pages, but for some reason they just have trouble registering.

I think if I did pay more attention to them I'd have some preferences somewhat similar to yours (power backs in the high 30s or 40s, smaller backs in the 20s, no 50s for DL at all.

re: TE in the 40s. I only associate a few guys with these IRL. Christiansen, Cooley, Clark, and I think of them as more H-backs than TE.

[stevew]

Sometimes I will assign the jersey number of a player to be his future potential if I'm closely watching a guy. So if it's a boom type WR, he might get the number 37. I'll also give odd numbers to guys that are special teams type studs that I might otherwise overlook if I'm deciding to sign guys quickly.

[Kodos]

I bet Ben doesn't bother with numbers.

I tend to abide by NFL rules, even in college football games. I give my favorite players certain numbers by position. Best LB gets 54 (Zach Thomas), best WR gets 81 (McDuffie). Scrambling QBs get 7 (Elway).

[MIJB#19]

My most simple rule is that #19 is reserved for the GM.

[cuervo72]

Originally Posted by Kodos

I bet Ben doesn't bother with numbers.

Actually I think he does - it's names he has issues with.

[Dutch]

I remember him talking about the (Tucker HS) coach referring to players as "Numbah 34". Maybe some influence there.

[digamma]

I've thought about this a lot over the years as well. In general, I'd say I prefer a little more freedom in number selection, particularly for WR and RB, but I think this stems from my loyalty to college football, where a #7 WR is more common. I think if limited to the NFL, I prefer the 80s for my WR and the 30s for my RB.

[MIJB#19]

Aside from the aforementioned #19 thingy, I rearrange quite a bit. I never thought I'd go that far, but these days I check every new player joining IHOF's Merchantmen for jersey number. My preferences are to keep players in the same position (group) similarly numbered, while in the process avoiding to use the #s of favorite players. I've already taken the unusual route of opening up the 10s for the tight ends, wanting to exclusively use the 80s for wide receivers. Looking at the current do-not-touch-list, it's up to 17 already. Some are due for unretiring, to avoid having things get out of control.

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by cuervo72

Actually I think he does - it's names he has issues with.