The Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans are the only NFL teams that have never officially retired a jersey number.
While most NFL franchises honor their most legendary players by permanently retiring their jersey numbers, a few teams have adopted different approaches. The Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans currently stand out as the organizations that have not retired any jersey numbers.
Teams Without Retired Jersey Numbers
| Team | Est. Year | Policy/Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore Ravens | 1996 | Relatively new franchise, no numbers retired yet. |
| Houston Texans | 2002 | Relatively new franchise; honors player jerseys, but does not officially retire numbers. |
Understanding Jersey Retirement in the NFL
Jersey retirement is a symbolic gesture within sports, where a team takes a player's number out of circulation permanently to honor their significant contributions and legacy. This means no future player for that team will ever wear that specific number again.
- Permanent Honor: It's a high distinction, usually reserved for iconic players who have left an indelible mark on the franchise.
- Symbolic Value: The retired number serves as a constant reminder of the player's achievements and connection to the team's history.
Reasons for Not Retiring Numbers
The primary reasons the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans have not retired jersey numbers are:
- Franchise Age: Both teams are relatively young compared to many other NFL franchises, which often have decades more history and a larger pool of players from which to select those deserving of such an honor. The Ravens were established in 1996, and the Texans began play in 2002.
- Alternative Recognition Methods: The Houston Texans, for example, have a policy of honoring player jerseys rather than retiring numbers. This means they acknowledge the significance of a player's contribution and jersey but keep the number available for future use. This allows them to celebrate their history while maintaining flexibility with roster numbering.
While neither team has retired a number, both have a strong tradition of recognizing their impactful players through other means, such as Ring of Honor inductions or special ceremonies.
For more information on NFL teams and their histories, you can visit the official NFL website.
