Here's Why Carson Wentz Has to Give Up His Jersey Number With the Colts

The Indianapolis Colts made a possible franchise-changing move by trading for Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz. There's no doubt that Wentz comes with a lot of perceived baggage, but in a fresh start with a new team, there's optimism he'll bounce back in Indy.

His new beginning with the Colts may include a big change for 2021 as well.

Wentz won't be wearing No. 11 with the Colts because his new teammate, Michael Pittman Jr., currently owns that number and has no desire to give it up. However, the two have already talked about the issue, and Wentz was prepared to change his number anyways.

"I spoke to [Carson] and he was just seeing how locked in I was to No. 11, and I told him I was locked in — and he was like, ‘That’s cool, bro, because I’m probably gonna switch anyway,'”

- Michael Pittman Jr.

Jersey numbers are a big deal to players. Tom Brady faced a similar situation as Wentz last year when joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, although he eventually got his signature No. 12 jersey back from wideout Chris Godwin.

With the buzz surrounding Wentz's trade, even if he wants No. 11, it's clear he's willing to compromise and get his Colts tenure started on the right foot by not making a big deal over his old jersey number.

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