Cleveland Browns Reveal Rookie Jersey Numbers Ahead of Minicamp

BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for their rookie minicamp, set to kick off on May 9. On Friday, the team announced jersey numbers for their 2025 draft class, including quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Sanders will wear No. 12, while Gabriel will don No. 5.

Both players are expected to step into new roles, wearing different numbers than they did in college. Gabriel started his college career at Central Florida wearing No. 11 and switched to No. 8 while playing at Oklahoma and Oregon. Sanders, on the other hand, wore No. 2 during his time at Jackson State and Colorado. His former teammate, Travis Hunter, also wore No. 12.

In addition to the rookie numbers, the Browns revealed jersey assignments for offseason trade and free-agent signings. Wide receiver DeAndre Carter will take No. 2, while quarterback Kenny Pickett will wear No. 8. Notably, Gabriel’s No. 11 from UCF is now worn by cornerback Tony Brown II.

Sanders’ decision to avoid the No. 2 jersey is interesting given the historical struggles associated with that number for Browns quarterbacks. Tim Couch and Johnny Manziel famously wore No. 2 and had disappointing tenures, accumulating a combined record of 24-43. Last season, Bailey Zappe became the latest Cleveland passer to wear No. 2, starting one game and throwing for 170 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in a loss.

While Sanders and Gabriel aim to change the narrative for the Browns’ quarterback position, their first opportunity will come during the three-day rookie minicamp from May 9-11. Sanders expressed his excitement, stating, “I’m trying to bring Cleveland a Super Bowl! Off the field, I want to bring hope and positivity to the city.” During a community engagement at John Marshall High School, he highlighted the importance of connecting with youth.

The Browns are looking to improve after a disappointing 3-14 season last year. A crowded quarterback competition awaits, with both Sanders and Gabriel joining 40-year-old veteran Joe Flacco and 2022 first-round pick Deshaun Watson, who is sidelined with an Achilles injury.

As rookie minicamp approaches, all eyes will be on how the Browns manage their quarterback situation and what roles Sanders and Gabriel will play in the upcoming season.