The Stories Behind Iconic Jersey Numbers
Why a number becomes inseparable from a player — and what made the league retire it. 15 stories in this series.
Wayne Gretzky 99: The Story Behind the Number
Wayne Gretzky's 99 came from wanting Howe's 9 in juniors and doubling up when it was taken. NHL retired the number leaguewide in 2000.
Why Aaron Judge Wears #99 — A Spring-Training Default
Aaron Judge wears #99 because the Yankees gave it to him as a 2017 spring-training rookie. He kept it after winning AL Rookie of the Year.
Why Allen Iverson Wore #3 — Bethel High Roots
Allen Iverson wore #3 because he wore it at Bethel High School in Hampton, Virginia. Kept it through Georgetown and his entire NBA career.
Why Derek Jeter Wore #2 — A Yankees Last Single-Digit
Derek Jeter wore #2 because it was the last available single-digit Yankees jersey when he reached the big leagues in 1995.
Why Did Michael Jordan Wear 23?
Michael Jordan wore 23 because his older brother Larry wore 45 and Michael wanted half — rounded up. He wore 45 briefly in 1995 too.
Why Jayson Tatum Wears #0 — A Russell Westbrook Tribute
Jayson Tatum wears #0 as a tribute to Russell Westbrook — his favorite player growing up in St. Louis. He's worn it since high school.
Why Joel Embiid Wears #21 — A Tribute to His Brother
Joel Embiid wears #21 to honor his younger brother Arthur, who died at age 13 in a hit-and-run car accident in 2014.
Why Kobe Bryant Changed From #8 to #24
Kobe Bryant changed from #8 to #24 in 2006 to mark a chapter break — and the Lakers retired both numbers in 2017, a first in NBA history.
Why LeBron James Wears 23 (and Briefly Wore 6)
LeBron James wears #23 as a Michael Jordan tribute he picked in middle school. He switched to #6 in Miami before returning to 23 in 2014.
Why Magic Johnson Wore #32 — Three Schools, One Number
Magic Johnson wore #32 from middle school through Michigan State and the Lakers — assigned by chance and kept the rest of his career.
Why Mookie Betts Wears #50 — A Red Sox Default
Mookie Betts wears #50 because the Red Sox gave it to him as a 2014 rookie. He kept it through his MVP season and the Dodgers trade.
Why Peyton Manning Wore #18 — A Family Tribute
Peyton Manning wore #18 in honor of his older brother Cooper, whose football career ended at age 18 from a spinal-cord condition.
Why Stephen Curry Wears #30 — A Father-Son Tribute
Stephen Curry wears #30 to honor his father Dell, who wore #30 with the Hornets, Cavs, and Raptors during his 16-year NBA career.
Why Tom Brady Wore #12 — A Number Assigned, Then Iconic
Tom Brady wore #12 because Michigan assigned it to him as a freshman scout-team QB. He kept it through his entire 23-year NFL career.
Why Travis Kelce Wears #87 — A Cincinnati Tribute
Travis Kelce wears #87 because it was his college number at Cincinnati. He kept it through his entire Kansas City Chiefs career.
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