Number 5

Orders of Reggie Bush jerseys have not been shipped as it is still unclear what number the Saints' first round draft choice will wear (on the product page on Reebok's site the jersey bears number 1.... ugh). NFL Bush has petitioned the NFL's competition committee to ask that he be able to wear the number 5, the number he wore at USC last year. At this time, only quarterbacks and kickers can wear that number. As of now, these are the numbers and corresponding positions for NFL play:

1-9 Quarterbacks and Kickers
10-19 Quarterbacks, Receivers, and Kickers
20-49 Running Backs and Defensive Backs
50-59 Centers and Linebackers
60-79 Defensive Linemen and Offensive Linemen
80-89 Receivers and Tight Ends
90-99 Defensive Linemen and Linebackers

These recently changed in 2004 when receivers were given the option of choosing numbers in the 10-19 range. Keyshawn Johnson was allowed to do it in 1996 because the Jets roster had more than 10 receivers (this precedent won't help Bush, as I'm fairly certain that the Saints don't have 30 running backs on the roster). Now 30 receivers wear numbers in the teens: Larry Fitzgerald, Roy Williams, and Plaxico Burress among them.

The NFL maintains that the numbering system makes it easier for officials, and I seriously doubt that they'll bend just so the Saints' darling can wear his favorite number. It would set a poor precedent.

Now, the Saints don't have any availabilities in the 20s, so Bush would be forced to wear 30-49, assuming that the rule isn't changed. Bush should avoid Sayers' 40, Payton's 34, and definitely should stay away from Shaun Alexander's awful 37.

Here's my idea:

the word "Five"


Okay, that was retarded. But if you want me to throw out a number, how about 33. Yeah, I know it's not that cool, but it's all we've got.

Or the NFL can just give him 5 because he's black Jesus and goddamnit he deserves it.