In a recent update from the Chicago Bears, rookie wide receiver Zavion Thomas has officially changed his jersey number from 81 to 13. This decision comes after a series of roster cuts made over the weekend, which opened up the opportunity for Thomas to adopt a new number. The announcement was confirmed through the team's media guide, as reported by Adam Jahns of CHGO.
Thomas's new number, 13, was previously worn by veteran wide receiver Maurice Alexander, who was released during the final roster cuts and did not join the practice squad. Alexander had donned the number since the 2025 season, making this change significant for both players as they transition into new phases of their careers.
This shift in jersey numbers is not an isolated incident for the Bears. It marks the second consecutive year that a drafted wide receiver has moved from an 80s number to a number in the teens after the preseason. Last year, Luther Burden, another rookie wide receiver, made a similar switch, changing from No. 87 to No. 10. Such changes reflect a trend within the team as they rebrand and refresh their roster.
For Zavion Thomas, the decision to change his jersey number could symbolize a new beginning as he embarks on his professional career in the NFL. The Bears selected Thomas in the 2026 NFL Draft, and he has been working hard to make an impact on the team. With the new number, he hopes to carve out his identity on the field and contribute to the Bears' success this season.
As the Bears prepare for the upcoming season, fans will be eager to see how Thomas performs in his new number. The team is looking to improve upon their previous season's performance, and contributions from rookie players like Thomas will be crucial. With the change to No. 13, Thomas not only joins a new lineage of Bears receivers but also embraces the challenge of making a name for himself in the league.
Overall, the number change is a small yet notable aspect of the Bears' roster dynamics as they head into the season. As fans gear up for the games ahead, the excitement surrounding rookie players and their potential impact continues to grow.
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