NFL Denies Kevin Smith’s Request For Number Change

Detroit Lions rookie running back Kevin Smith said Thursday that the NFL has denied his request to switch from jersey No. 34 to No. 24.

Smith wore the No. 24 at Central Florida. Veteran strong safety Dwight Smith had been wearing No. 24, but Kevin Smith asked him if he’d mind giving up the number, then asked the league to approve the switch.

Smith was given No. 34 to wear when he participated in the NFL’s photo session for rookies. All of his trading cards feature him wearing the No. 34 jersey, so the NFL refused to let him switch.

Dwight Smith has since switched from No. 24 to No. 26. Free safety Kalvin Pearson, who had been wearing No. 32, is now wearing No. 24. Rudi Johnson is now wearing No. 32.

“I tried. I got denied by the league,” Kevin Smith said. “But I still want it.”

- Detroit Free Press