Three Chicago Bears players have changed their jersey numbers ahead of the 2023 NFL season, including running back Roschon Johnson, defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr., and safety Elijah Hicks.
The new #Bears jersey number changes, per @nfl_jersey_num:
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) September 6, 2023
• RB Roschon Johnson: 30 ➡️ 23
• DT Gervon Dexter: 98 ➡️ 99
• S Elijah Hicks: 37 ➡️ 22
The most notable change belongs to Johnson, who switched from No. 30 to No. 23, a number that means quite a bit for Chicago sports fans.
There's a valid argument for No. 23 to be retired for all of Chicago's professional sports teams because of Michael Jordan's global impact. But, it isn't. And the last Bear to the digits justice was Devin Hester, who's likely headed for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Michael Jordan. Devin Hester. Roschon Johnson?
That's pressure. But if any player has the mental makeup to not only handle the pressure but also thrive in it, it's Johnson.
A fourth-round pick from Texas, Johnson is beginning his Chicago Bears career as the team's RB3. I suspect he'll move up the depth chart after the first few weeks of the season and, potentially, become the starting running back when the cold weather moves into town.
At least, he'd better. Otherwise, he'll have to consider changing his jersey number again.