Eagles could break recent jersey trend with Jihaad Campbell’s switch
· Yahoo Sports
Jihaad Campbell is getting something familiar as he continues his Philadelphia Eagles journey. Though there hasn't been an official announcement from the team yet, the now-second-year linebacker is reportedly set to be assigned the No. 11 jersey at the time of this story's release.
That's the same number he wore while starring for the Alabama Crimson Tide before the Eagles took him 31st overall in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft. It's a chance to continue wearing a number that accompanied some of the most successful moments of his football career.
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For the Eagles, however, the decision is more interesting than it appears on the surface. In assigning No. 11 to Campbell, Philadelphia quietly bucked two organizational trends that have become increasingly noticeable over the years.
The Eagles handed No. 11 to a defensive player
The first trend is obvious. No. 11 has recently belonged to offensive stars. Most recently, it was worn by A.J. Brown, one of the most productive wide receivers in franchise history. Before him, Carson Wentz made the number synonymous with one of the most memorable stretches of quarterback play the organization has ever seen.
Now, the jersey shifts to the defensive side of the ball. That may seem insignificant, but it's unusual when viewed through the lens of recent Eagles history.
If we're being honest, neither Brown nor Wentz enjoyed particularly smooth exits from Philadelphia. Both produced memorable moments. Both became fan favorites. Neither finished their Eagles careers the way many had hoped.
Perhaps giving No. 11 to a linebacker rather than another offensive player is the football equivalent of changing the energy in the room. At the very least, Campbell gets the opportunity to create his own legacy while distancing himself from some complicated recent memories.
Philadelphia often puts meaningful numbers on ice
The second trend is even more fascinating. The Eagles have quietly developed a habit of shelving jersey numbers associated with some of the franchise's most beloved players.
They don't always retire the numbers immediately. Instead, they often allow years to pass before assigning them again. Consider a few examples:
- Nick Foles' No. 9 wasn't worn from 2018 until 2026.
- LeSean McCoy's No. 25 has remained untouched since 2014.
- Jason Peters' No. 71 hasn't been worn since 2020.
- Zach Ertz's No. 86 has sat unused since 2021.
- Fletcher Cox's No. 91 has remained unavailable since 2023.
- Jason Kelce's No. 62 hasn't been assigned since his retirement and could eventually be retired altogether.
Even Brent Celek's No. 87 remained dormant for several seasons before finally returning to circulation. The message has always been clear. The Eagles may not formally retire every number, but they frequently allow a cooling-off period before placing those jerseys back into use. That's why Campbell receiving No. 11 feels noteworthy.
Consider this a show of confidence in Jihaad Campbell
Perhaps the simplest explanation is the correct one. The Eagles believe Campbell is capable of handling the responsibility. Organizations don't typically hand recognizable numbers to players they view as roster longshots.
Campbell was drafted to become a foundational piece of Philadelphia's defense. He arrives with enormous expectations and the talent to justify them. Now, he'll do so wearing one of the franchise's more recognizable jersey numbers.
Whether fans view No. 11 through the lens of Wentz, Brown, or now Campbell remains to be seen. One thing is certain, however. The Eagles don't often break their own traditions unless they have a reason. Giving No. 11 to Jihaad Campbell may be a small move on the surface, but it suggests Philadelphia believes the rookie linebacker is ready to make the number his own.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Potential Jihaad Campbell number change would give No. 11 new meaning