Marcus Mariota, the first quarterback in NFL history to wear No. 0, made history by signing a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders, marking a significant milestone.
Over 20 players, including Philadelphia Eagles running back D’Andre Swift, wore No. 0 last season, marking the first year players can wear the number in franchise history.
Swift, born in Philadelphia, became the first player in his hometown team’s history to wear the number 0. Calvin Ridley, also from Jacksonville, became the first NFL player to wear No. 0, joining Swift.
Calvin Ridley chose the number No. 0 as a tribute to his family and the significance of his middle name, Orin. He wanted to be the first to wear it, and players choose it for various reasons.
Mariota’s No. 0 choice with Washington may have been practical, as he has worn No. 8 or No. 1 throughout his career, including No. 8 with Oregon, Tennessee Titans, and Las Vegas Raiders.
In 2022, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Mariota wore No. 1, then No. 8, a nod to the Hawaiian Islands. In Washington, Dotson and Robinson claimed No. 1, while Mariota chose No. 0, symbolizing a fresh start.
