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Garrett Wilson's jersey number: Why Jets WR will wear number 5 and not 17 in the 2024 season

Garrett Wilson has endured more changes in his first two seasons at quarterback than some wide receivers have in their entire careers, but that's not the only thing that will change in 2024.

As the 2024 season begins, Wilson and the Jets hope to finally find some stability at the QB position. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is fully recovered from tearing his Achilles tendon in last year's season opener, and a healthy Rodgers could mean a breakout season for Wilson.

Although Wilson has had a variety of passers in his young career, that hasn't stopped the Ohio State product from becoming one of the best in the league. He's one of the focal points of a club that's set to take a big step forward as New York aims to make the playoffs for the first time since 2010.

With a new season on the horizon, the Jets wide receiver also has a new number in the Big Apple. Here's why Wilson changed his number from No. 17 to No. 5 ahead of the 2024 season.

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Why did Garrett Wilson change his number?

Wilson wore No. 5 during his time at Ohio State, but by the time he was drafted into the league, that number had already been taken by quarterback Mike White, who was the backup quarterback and wore the number for the 2022 season.

In 2023, veteran punter Thomas Morstead signed for his second stint with the organization. With White leaving as a free agent, the number was available to him, even though Morstead had never worn No. 5 in his career.

Although the punter will remain with the team in 2024, he will no longer wear No. 5. Morstead and Wilson announced earlier in the offseason that the wide receiver would get his college number back. Morstead wears No. 6 this season.

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Garrett Wilson Ohio State Stats

season School Games Recommended. Shipyards TD Y/R
2019 Ohio State 14 30 432 5 14.4
2020 Ohio State 8 43 723 6 16.8
2021 Ohio State 11 70 1,058 12 15.1
career 33 143 2,213 23 15.5

Wilson played for Ohio State for three seasons. In the first two seasons, he was one half of the dynamic duo in the Buckeyes' wide receiver room along with Saints star Chris Olave; in 2021, he was part of the three-headed monster along with Olave and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

The former Ohio State star was outstanding in his junior season, rushing for 1,058 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns, enough for the Jets to draft him with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

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Garrett Wilson NFL Stats

season Games Recommended. Shipyards TD Y/R
2022 17 83 1.103 4 13.3
2023 17 95 1,042 3 11.0
career 66 178 2.145 7 12.1

Although Wilson has struggled with constant turnover at quarterback in his first two seasons, he has shown on offense that he can be a real playmaker.

In 2022, the Jets' standout player was named AFC Offensive Rookie of the Year after a sensational first season. He amassed 1,103 yards and four touchdowns on 83 receptions, with Zach Wilson, Mike White, Joe Flacco and Chris Streveler throwing to him at quarterback.

The Jets were expected to gain stability at quarterback in 2023 after trading for Rodgers, but he lasted just four games before tearing his Achilles tendon. That meant Wilson and the offense were once again subjected to a quarterback carousel, with Zach Wilson, Trevor Siemian and Tim Boyle all starting. Despite the changes at quarterback, Wilson still managed 1,042 receiving yards and three TDs on 95 receptions.

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