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As the Kansas City Chiefs’ rookie minicamp got underway on May 6, the organization revealed the new jersey numbers for all seven members of the 2023 draft class.
The Chiefs social media team dropped them all at once, and here’s how they stack up:
- DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah (No. 97).
- WR Rashee Rice (No. 4).
- OT Wanya Morris (No. 64).
- DB Chamarri Conner (No. 27).
- DE BJ Thompson (No. 53).
- DT Keondre Coburn (No. 99).
- CB Nic Jones (No. 31).
Rookies by the numbers 💯
Chiefs’ Rashee Rice Takes Former QB Number, Felix Anudike-Uzomah & Keondre Coburn Go Big
Looking at these jersey selections, we have to remember that the rules have changed. Skill position players are allowed to wear single-digit numbers now and Rice has chosen to do just that at wide receiver.
According to 810 WHB radio, the most famous Chief to ever don the No. 4 jersey was quarterback Steve Fuller from 1979 to 1982. “[The] first-round pick started as a rookie. Played 52 games, starting 31,” they said describing Fuller.
Most recently, backup QB Chad Henne wore Rice’s new number.
As for the first-round pass rusher, Anudike-Uzomah’s No. 97 was tied to defensive tackle Dan Saleaumua by 810 WHB radio. “Best ball-hawking DT ever,” they described him. “Played 125 games for the Chiefs and recovered 17 fumbles, just two fewer than Derrick Thomas.” Saleaumua played in KC from 1989 through 1996 and made the Pro Bowl once.
Fellow D-lineman Coburn went upper 90’s as well, going with the fearsome No. 99. D-end Mike Bell rocked this double-nine from 1979 through 1985 and again from 1987 through 1991. He “played 135 games for the Chiefs, logging 40 sacks.”
810 WHB radio also noted defensive linemen Wilbur Young and Vaughn Booker as honorable mentions.
The others fell somewhere in between, with the two rookie defensive backs both choosing popular running back jerseys in Chiefs history and Morris in the 60’s. Thompson, another pass rusher, chose No. 53.
Here were Kansas City’s best at each of those numbers according to the same 810 WHB radio list:
- 27. Larry Johnson, RB (2004-09) “[Pro Bowl]-2, [All-Pro]-1. The only Chief to rush for 1,700 yards in a season and he did it twice with a combined 37 TDs. Other notables: Kareem Hunt.”
- 31. Priest Holmes, RB (2001-07) “[Pro Bowl]-3, [All-Pro]-3. Best RB not named Marshall Faulk during his career. Once held the team career record for rushing yards and still does for TD’s (76) Other notables: Kevin Ross.”
- 53. Marvcus Patton, LB (1999-2002) “Started 61 games for the Chiefs. Had Whitney Paul (one of my favorite names) not played three of his seven seasons in #64, he would have gotten the nod.”
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64. Curt Merz, DE/G (1962-68) “Best of an average group. Played in 92 games for the Chiefs.” Aforementioned Whitney Paul.
Chiefs Announce UDFA Signings (Officially)
There were several reported undrafted signings by the Chiefs since the draft, but the organization also dropped the official list of those on May 6. Those 16 additions were:
- RB Deneric Prince (reported).
- WRs Tyrone Scott & Nikko Remigio (reported).
- OTs Anderson Hardy (reported) & Chukwuebuka Jason Godrick (international).
- OGs Jerome Carvin & Blake Haynes (reported).
- DE Truman Jones (reported).
- LBs Cam Jones & Isaiah Moore (reported).
- CBs Reese Taylor, Montrae Braswell & Anthony Witherstone (reported).
- S/DBs Anthony Cook, Martez Manuel & Isaiah Norman (reported).
The only reported signings that were not official were OT Quinton Barrow, WR James Letcher and DT Demarcus Elliott. All three were listed on the Chiefs’ rookie camp roster as invites, and each still has a chance to prove themselves over the weekend.
Either way, this is a huge undrafted class for KC general manager Brett Veach as he attempts to rebuild the depth of last year’s championship roster.
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Chiefs Reveal Rookie Jersey Numbers of 7 Draft Picks