Certain of the numbers will be recognizable to Crimson Tide fans, as some rookies will carry over from their time at Alabama. Patrick Surtain II, of course, will wear No. 2 for the Broncos. It was originally worn by former Alabama player Ed "Too Tall" Jones.
Other numbers may not be so familiar but they're still important to the team. For example, No. 3 has special meaning in Alabama football history. It was originally worn by Joe Taylor, who played for the Tide from 1951-1953. The number is also significant because it's been worn by three African-Americans who have had a major impact on Bama football: Lee Roy Jordan, Fred Dean and Mike Shula.
When Alabama plays against a number two opponent, it usually means that they'll be wearing their alternate uniforms. So keep an eye out for those next week!
That is the case for new Patriots defensive back Jalen Mills, who will wear the No. 2 jersey. This will be Mills' third different number in his NFL career, having previously worn No. 31 and now wearing No. 25.
Mills was drafted by New England with the 56th pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. He played college football at Millsap College in Seattle, Washington, where he made an immediate impact for the Patriots by recording three interceptions in his first season with the team.
In New England's 46-27 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first game of 2016, Mills wore number 2 because this is the number that former Patriot Richard Seymour wore during his two seasons in New England. Last year, the number was retired league-wide in honor of Seymour.
Mills is the first player from Millsap College to be selected by the Patriots. The school's last other draft pick was quarterback Jake Waters, who was drafted in the seventh round (236th overall) by the Chicago Bears in 2009.
He went on to play four seasons for Purdue University before starting his career with the Patriots as a rookie free agent in 2010.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick announced Monday that Mills will wear number 2 this season.
Mark Ingram will wear No. 2 on his third NFL squad. The former Saints and Ravens running back rose from No. 28 to No. 1 in his first NFL season. He's one of only three players to top 100 yards rushing in a playoff game (100 yards, two touchdowns) and he did it in just three quarters of action.
The other two players are Emmitt Smith (decade-long career) and Alfred Morris (one season).
Ingram is the first player from Louisiana-Lafayette to be chosen as the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft. He joined a short list that includes Paul Warfield and Jimmy Johnson - both wide receivers - along with Dave Meggett, Alvin Pearman, and Errict Rhett - all defensive players.
In 2012, there were nine runners who wore No. 2 in the NFL. Frank Gore had the most successful season with 1,406 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns. Donald Brown also had a good season for the 49ers with 730 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns.
Najee Harris In addition, Najee Harris will wear the historic No. 22 in Pittsburgh. With this number, Alabama has had success in the NFL. The last player to wear it before Harris is Roy Lewis, who played for the Steelers from 1993-97. Harris signed with Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent out of Auburn in April.
He started 11 games at cornerback as a rookie and also returned kicks. He finished with 51 tackles and three interceptions.
In 2014, he started all 16 games at left cornerback and led the team with seven interceptions. He returned one for a touchdown against Michigan State. Harris came up with another interception in the SEC Championship Game against Arkansas. He also scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery in 2013 against South Carolina. Prior to joining the Steelers, Harris spent two seasons with the New York Jets after going unselected in the 2011 NFL Draft. He made 35 appearances, starting 34 of those contests. He recorded 229 tackles and eight interceptions during his time with the Jets.
Harris' father, Ray, also played for the Steelers from 1991-95 and was selected to four Pro Bowls. His younger brother, C.J., plays defensive back for Purdue University. Najee was born in Birmingham but grew up in Pelham Park, a suburb of Pittsburgh.
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