When an NFL rookie is initially drafted, typically, their first remarks in front of the local media include sentiments about the team's history and those who went before them. For a franchise like the Chicago Bears, you couldn't possibly hammer that topic enough.
There have been so many great players to come through this organization, over the years, that the team had to put a cap on the amount of jersey numbers they've retired. Because of that, Bears legend Brian Urlacher's jersey still remains a wearable number.
But nobody has picked it up since Urlacher's time in Chicago ... until now.
Rookie center Logan Jones, out of Iowa, opted to go with Urlacher's number 54 as his own. As rookie minicamp kicked off, Jones explained his decision. Chatting with Bears media, he had this to say:
"It's such an honor to be able to wear that number ... When you think of the Chicago Bears, that's who you think of ... it's kind of supporting his memory and letting everybody see the legacy he left. To be able to wear that number is really cool."
Logan Jones received Brian Urlacher's blessing to wear the iconic number 54 jersey
Just a couple of hours before Jones' time with the media, the announcement was made about rookie jersey numbers. Of course, Bears fans saw the no. 54 and immediately had questions.
After all, no one has worn that number since Urlacher. It was almost an unspoken rule that a player doesn't even think about wearing it.
However, in Jones' case, he was given permission. Jones told the Bears media that he did, indeed, receive Urlacher's blessing to wear the number. Towards the end of his explanation on picking this jersey and honoring Urlacher, he said he hopes to meet the franchise legend at some point.
On one hand, for a rookie to come in and make the decision to wear such a storied jersey number is a bold move. There is a reason no player has chosen to wear it since Urlacher.
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On the other hand, though, it is admirable for Jones to be that bold. It's admirable for him to reach out to Urlacher and ask for the Hall of Famer's blessing to wear the number.
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