For some odd reason, NFL jersey numbers are always a hot topic to discuss and it's something I can never quite understand.
I get there's a level of personal pride that comes with wearing your favorite number throughout your entire career. Some players make a big deal about it, and some players frankly don't seem to pay much attention to it.
Well, the fans definitely do. Including those who pay high dollar to purchase a jersey of their favorite player hoping said player keeps that number with the team forever.
As silly as it is, sometimes it's worthy news. Especially a recent jersey update for the Chicago Bears that answers two questions at once.
WR Maurice Alexander will wear #13 in 2025
Back in January, soon after head coach Ben Johnson was hired, the team signed wide receiver Maurice Alexander a future/reserve contract. Alexander spent the last three seasons with the Detroit Lions moving between the practice squad and active roster.
Him and Johnson have some familiarity together and he's someone the team's head coach wanted to bring along with him to Chicago. We now know that Maurice Alexander will wear the #13 for the Bears this upcoming season.
The number #13 was last used by wide receiver Keenan Allen, who spent the 2024 with the Bears after being drafted from the Los Angeles Rams. Allen has wore #13 his entire career and is proud of it. So much so that he got to wear #13 in Chicago over quarterback Caleb Williams, who also wore the same number in college.
Given how proud he is of wearing #13, having Alexander take the jersey while Allen is a current free agent is somewhat of a telling sign that Allen won't be back for another season with the Bears, which was expected with the new coaching staff coming in.
Even though he's still a free agent, Allen has been getting some interest in returning to Los Angeles with his former team for Year 13 in the NFL.
Giving Alexander #13 also means Williams won't be switching back to his former number, a great sign for fans who purchased the #18 jersey of the new franchise QB. Many were wondering if Williams would make such a move if Allen didn't return, since players are permitted to change jersey numbers during the offseason.
We now have the answer. Williams is sticking with #18 and that shouldn't be expected to change now or going forward with the Bears, while Alexander is the new #13.
