Ahead of their first regular-season game, the New York Giants are still shuffling jersey numbers. On Wednesday, rookie defensive back Colton Hood was revealed to be returning to No. 12, the number he wore throughout the offseason, after a brief stint in No. 33 following final roster cuts.
Colton Hood told me No. 12 is here to stay. Had to switch to 33 temporarily because they didn’t have enough QB numbers at first.
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) September 9, 2026
Darius Slayton’s release freed No. 18, and he jumped back to 12. #Giants
The change became possible after the release of Darius Slayton. Practice squad quarterback Jake Haener switched from No. 12 to No. 18, opening No. 12 for Hood to reclaim the number he had worn during the offseason.
In college, Hood wore No. 24 at Auburn, No. 3 at Colorado
and No. 8 at Tennessee.
Former Giants who have worn No. 12 include Darren Waller, Steve Smith, Jared Lorenzen, Scott Brunner and Steve Owen.
Hood will become the first Giants defensive player to wear No. 12 in the modern NFL, an era in which league rules specify which numbers certain positions may use.
A defensive back in No. 12 remains uncommon, and Hood now has a chance to make a name for himself in a number rarely seen on a cornerback.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants' Colton Hood, Jake Heiner change jersey numbers
