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Patriots linebacker Mack Wilson wore the jersey number 30 at the University of Alabama.
Donning said digs during his junior season, Wilson totaled 71 tackles, two interceptions, and one sack - earning him second-team All-America accolades and an All-SEC second-team selection. He was also a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, presented annually to the nation’s top linebacker, and became a fifth-round pick of the Browns in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Due to strict NFL jersey number rules, however, he was forced out of 30 and into 51 for his first three professional seasons in Cleveland.
After being traded to New England ahead of the 2022 season, Wilson was able to switch back to 30 following a loosening of said jersey number rules by the NFL.
It looks like the change will only last one season.
After telling his Twitter followers last week that people are “disrespecting” his game and touting others who are “really not like that”, a fan of Wilson’s responded to him with a photo of his jersey, saying that he’s been a “day 1 supporter” of the linebacker.
Wilson responded to the fan, telling him that he might be switching numbers soon but will get him a new one if he does. He then announced on Friday that he'll be donning the number 3 for the upcoming Patriots campaign.
Wilson then immediately responded to his supporter, telling him to send him his address via direct message so he can send him a new jersey.
Switching numbers this close to the start of the season doesn't happen often in the NFL since, according to league rules, a player must buy out the remaining inventory of replica jerseys if the request is initiated past a certain date.
Wilson now has to cut a check to the league and buy his fan a new jersey.
He must really love number 3.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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