Un-Retiring Numbers

Paul Lukas, of Uni Watch at ESPN.com, offers this:

Update: Uni Watch's recent examination of retired numbers gained a bit of extra resonance this week when Jerry Rice was traded to the Seahawks. Rice has worn uni number 80 for his entire career, first with the 49ers and then with the Raiders. But the Seahawks retired that number in 1995, in honor of Steve Largent. Given Rice's recent temper tantrums regarding playing time and the loss of his consecutive-game reception streak, how would he react to having to wear an unfamiliar number?

Not to worry. Calls were made, permission from Largent was requested and received, and Rice will be wearing number 80 after all.

First, Rice better not be crying about uniform numbers at this point in his career. As Lukas points out, playing time should be a bigger concern. (Note to Jerry: In case you are still wondering why the Raiders didn't toss you a pass, look at what they got in return for you. A seventh round draft pick. The Seahawks could probably get an eighth rounder for Largent right now.)

Second, and more importantly, it seems like uniform numbers are un-retiring about as often as boxers do. I, for one, am growing a bit weary of the trend. Either take the number out of action forever or don't retire numbers. What's the point of giving Steve Largent the honor of retiring his number so a washed up Jerry Rice can wear it for half a season?

If a player is so special or important to a franchise that the team retires his number, let's assume that no matter who arrives after, the number should stay retired.