MIAMI GARDENS ― Miami Dolphins quarterback Zach Wilson figures to be the first quarterback in modern NFL history to wear jersey number zero.
But why did Wilson choose zero?
“I’m like a single digit guy and there weren’t many single digits available,” Wilson said on the second day of training camp. “And I thought zero, I guess, was a cool choice. And I was like, I don’t know if any quarterbacks have really had zero before.”
The only player to wear zero at quarterback in an NFL game was Johnny Clement of the Chicago Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers between 1941-1948.
Clement’s nickname — go figure — was “Mr. Zero.”
Quarterback Marcus Mariota wore zero with the Commanders in a preseason but switched to number 18 before the 2024 season.
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Mariota had a specific reason for initially choosing zero.
“Zero is something for me that’s just a reminder,” Mariota said. “I’m in year 10. People don’t think I can do it anymore. It’s just kind of a reminder everyday of ‘nobody really gives you a chance.’ And it’s cool to be able to remind yourself.”
Wilson didn’t connect zero to doubters, but he did touch on the subject.
Wilson suggest coach Mike McDaniel has boosted his confidence.
“I feel like sometimes I lost that in myself a little bit of like, you know, understanding how talented I can be,” Wilson said. “You know, it’s good to feel like you have some belief in somebody.”
Wilson came to Miami because he was sold on their belief in him.
“I felt wanted,” Wilson said. “I felt like they really wanted me to be here.”
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As for that unique jersey number, Wilson said he did not know Mariota briefly wore zero.
“I’ve met him once before and he’s a great guy,” Wilson said. “He’s got a lot of swag.”
Bradley Chubb wears #2 for the Dolphins, which is the number Wilson wore with the Jets.
Tua Tagovailoa wears #1 for the Dolphins, which Wilson wore at BYU.
So, does Wilson plan to stick with zero?
“That’s the plan,” he said.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe’s free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.