With quarterback Taylor Heinicke off to Atlanta, his No. 4 jersey was suddenly available for anyone to claim.
The No. 4 jersey is available no more, as wide receiver Curtis Samuel has changed his jersey number [No. 10] to his old college number from his days at Ohio State.
The Commanders confirmed the switch on social media.
10
4
new number for @CurtisSamuel4__
pic.twitter.com/bpdMKIxWnv
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) April 21, 2023
For his part, Samuel took to Instagram to celebrate his new [old] number, courtesy of Ethan Cadeaux of NBC Sports Washington.
Cool sizzle from Curtis Samuel on IG after his number change from 10 to 4 was announced pic.twitter.com/CWLGA26lkk
— Ethan Cadeaux (@Ethan_Cadeaux) April 21, 2023
Samuel is entering his seventh NFL season, and third in Washington, having worn the No. 10 jersey since first entering the NFL as a second-round pick of the Carolina Panthers.
A former college running back, Samuel moved to wide receiver in the NFL and has proven to be one of the NFL’s most versatile weapons. After missing most of his debut season with Washington due to an injury in 2021, Samuel played in every game last season, catching 64 passes for 656 yards and four touchdowns. Samuel also rushed for 187 yards and a touchdown.
Changing your number in the NFL can be expensive. Per NFL rules, a player must buy out the existing inventory of his old jersey if he’s making the change for the upcoming season.
Samuel will continue to be a critical part of Washington’s offense with new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy in 2023.