Patriots quarterback Mac Jones could be in for a number change

Mac Jones currently wears the number 50 for the New England Patriots. It’s a system Bill Belichick has in-place for rookies following the NFL Draft.

The team’s first selection receives the number 50, which Jones has worn throughout training camp thus far. Afterwards, rookies receive one number up based on the order they were drafted. Patriots second round pick Christian Barmore wears 51, and it continues after that.

If you bought a Jones jersey with number 50 already, it may turn out to be a historical artifact. The Patriots first-round selection could be in for a number change as soon as the Patriots’ first preseason game.

ESPN’s Mike Reiss asked Jones how disappointed he would be to give up the number he’s worn thus far.

Question: How disappointed will you be to finally give up No. 50 next week, per NFL rules?

Mac Jones (laughing): “I don’t know if I would have kept it…”

(Odds high on No. 10, which he wore in high school and college, and is available in New England.) pic.twitter.com/2Em6Ng35FO

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 5, 2021

While it would be a unique number for a quarterback, it looks like the former Alabama standout will be adjusting it. As he decides what number he’ll attempt to build his legacy with, Reiss mentions odds are high on Jones selecting number 10.

What number will Mac Jones wear?

Luckily, a number that’s been good to Jones in the past is available in New England. The quarterback wore number 10 while leading the Alabama Crimson Tide to a national championship.

Furthermore, Jones wore the same number while playing quarterback in high school at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida. Obviously, the connection between the number and the quarterback goes way back.

If Jones decides to bring the number back, he’ll be wearing the same number that former Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo wore. Famously, Garoppolo was once considered the successor to Tom Brady in New England, prior to Belichick trading the quarterback to the San Francisco 49ers.

While Garoppolo played well in his time with the Patriots, the team hopes Jones’ tenure is much more impactful.

Mac Jones and Cam Newton

While Jones was drafted in the first round by the Patriots, it’s the man who wears the number 1 that’s been named the starting quarterback. Cam Newton is back and starting in New England, but his relationship with Jones has been one of the most entertaining storylines of training camp.

As the former Alabama quarterback begins his career in the NFL, he’s being mentored by the former Auburn standout in Newton. Jones even had his teammates cracking up by impersonating Newton, his one-of-a-kind outfits included.

“We had a skit I want to say two days ago. Two or three days ago,” defensive back Jalen Mills explained, per Zack Cox of NESN.com. “The rookies, they killed it. You know, these camp days, they’re long, man, so at the end of the day, you need to get that laugh out of those guys.”

“Mac, he came in dressed as Cam. He had the big hat on, had a scarf on, came in saying Cam slogans, different things like that,” said Mills. “It was real funny to see him getting out of character.”

Jones seems to be adjusting well to the NFL, as he’s bringing his confidence and personality to New England. The young quarterback’s potential is high, regardless of the number he wears.

Image courtesy of Maddie Malhotra / Stringer via Getty Images