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Mack Wilson takes over Kyler Murray's jersey number in Arizona

Mar 19, 2026, 9:50 PM20
(Update: Mar 20, 2026, 4:12 PM)
American football linebacker
American football and baseball player (born 1997)

Mack Wilson takes over Kyler Murray's jersey number in Arizona

  • Mack Wilson has taken over Kyler Murray's No. 1 jersey after Murray's release from the Cardinals.
  • Wilson has a history of wearing various jersey numbers during his NFL career.
  • This transition comes as the Cardinals move on from Murray, who had a notable, though playoff-less, tenure with the team.
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In Arizona, linebacker Mack Wilson has officially announced that he will take over the No. 1 jersey, previously worn by quarterback Kyler Murray, following Murray's recent release from the Cardinals. This change comes only eight days after the team decided to part ways with the former star player. Wilson, who has worn multiple numbers during his professional career, will now mark his fifth different jersey number in the NFL. The NFL relaxed its jersey number regulations in 2023, allowing players in certain positions, like linebackers, to wear single-digit numbers, making the transition smoother for Wilson. Kyler Murray, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 draft, has had a substantial impact during his seven seasons with the Cardinals, ranking second in the team's history for completions and third in both passing yards and touchdowns. His statistics include 1,864 completions, 19,498 passing yards, and 115 passing touchdowns. However, despite these accomplishments, he did not secure a playoff victory during his tenure, with only one playoff start during this period. Following his departure, Murray is currently not listed on the roster of any NFL team, specifically the Minnesota Vikings. In another jersey number change, edge rusher Abdul Carter has switched to No. 3 for his second season with the New York Giants. The move is coinciding with a fresh start, as the team has a new head coach. Carter wore No. 51 during his rookie year, but with the departure of Russell Wilson from the Giants, the number has become available. The history of Carter's jersey number choices shows his attempts to wear significant numbers from the team's history. He had previously sought to don No. 56, but it remains retired due to the legacy of Lawrence Taylor, who declined the request. Similarly, his desire to wear No. 11 was met with resistance from former Giants quarterback Phil Simms, who also rejected the opportunity. This evolving situation regarding jersey numbers demonstrates not only the players’ desires but also the historical significance attached to them within teams. For Wilson, taking over the No. 1 jersey symbolizes a new chapter in his career while also marking a shift in identity for the Cardinals post-Murray. As Wilson aims to establish his legacy with this high-profile number, Abdul Carter hopes to carve out his own path while embracing the legacy of past Giants players.

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