Wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling sparked immediate controversy during his first practice with the Chargers.
Valdes-Scantling, signed to the practice squad after a string of injuries, raised eyebrows across the fanbase by choosing No. 13, which is deeply tied to franchise history. The number was worn for over a decade by wide receiver Keenan Allen, who holds the franchise's all-time receptions record.
According to ESPN's Kris Rhim, the choice came from mathematical necessity rather than a deliberate snub. The NFL’s strict jersey-numbering rules, combined with the team's current roster, left Valdes-Scantling with almost no options.
- 0 through 10 are entirely claimed by active players.
- 14, 18, and 19 are officially honored or retired numbers.
- 80 through 89 are fully occupied, except for No. 85, previously worn by Chargers legend Antonio Gates.
- In the standard 10 through 19 range for wide receivers, the only open slots left on the roster were 13 and 17. No. 17 was worn by former quarterback Philip Rivers.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Why Chargers' Marquez Valdes-Scantling jersey number is causing
a stir
