Philadelphia Eagles new wide receiver Jahan Dotson turned heads on the practice field last week, but not exactly in the way you’d expect from the former Penn State standout.
Dotson has been the center of much discussion due to his odd jersey number choice — a number Eagles fans are more accustomed to seeing on bruising tight ends.
Dotson took to X.com (formerly Twitter) on Saturday to set the record straight on the number 87 he rocked in training. It turns out that 87 was not his preference at all:
I hope you all understand that the decision about the number is out of my control ? Just a happy guy to be here!
It makes sense. Brent Celek spent 11 seasons in Philadelphia wearing No. 87, capping off a storied NFL career with a victory over the Patriots in Super Bowl LII. The last Eagles player to wear that number was CJ Uzomahanother tight end who was among the Eagles’ many roster cuts this summer.
It would certainly be fun to see Dotson, who is 5-foot-11 and 184 pounds, sport a number that has typically been worn by much larger individuals in Philadelphia this season. His reaction Saturday suggests a number change may be in the offing. He’s likely just wearing the number he was assigned when he arrived in Philadelphia late in training camp. As the team’s new No. 3 receiver, he could be looking to earn his stripes before requesting a number change.
The former first-round pick wore No. 1 during his two seasons with the Washington Commanders. That number, of course, is occupied by Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. No. 5, which Dotson wore at Penn State, is also unavailable. That number was retired in 2013, after Donovan McNabb was cut from the roster. Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame Inductee.
The No. 87 seems to be a perfect fit for Dotson so far in the 215. His teammates have had nothing but positive things to say since his arrival, including this nugget from top to outside AJ Brown:
“He’s got a great opportunity in front of him,” Brown said. “I don’t want to put too much on him, but he’s doing it. … I know when I get to the line, defensive players are adjusting. I know they’re adjusting to (DeVonta Smith). They’re probably not putting their best player on (Dotson). There’s not much they can do. There’s going to be mismatches all day long.”
MORE EAGLES NEWS:
Dallas Goedert injury update: Latest on Eagles starting tight end
Detroit Lions part ways with former Eagles backup QB Doug Pederson made famous
Jahan Dotson’s jersey number with the Eagles isn’t exactly what you’d expect
Former Eagles first-round pick released one day after being selected by Patriots
Eagles’ Darius Slay reacts to NFC East rival’s new $136M receiver
