record 15,000 bush jerseys ordered
 

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NFL to decide if Bush jerseys will carry No. 5By Darren Rovell
ESPN.com


Reggie Bush came in second in Saturday's NFL Draft, but he's apparently first in jersey orders.


The Associated Press reported Monday that Reebok has received a record 15,000 orders for New Orleans Saints jerseys with Bush's name on the back. That's more than double the number of jerseys the company had taken for last year's No. 1 pick, Alex Smith.


Fans ordered these Bush jerseys without knowing what number they will carry. That will likely be determined Tuesday, when the NFL competition committee meets and decides whether to allow the former USC running back and 2005 Heisman Trophy winner to wear No. 5, as he desires.


Bush's marketing agent, Mike Ornstein, told ESPN.com he believes there's great value in Bush being able to keep the number. National Subway commercials already refer to Bush as No. 5.


"Based on the conversations I've had with members of the competition committee today, I do believe that they will allow Reggie to wear that number," Ornstein said.


Although Bush has worn No. 5 since high school, NFL rules do not permit running backs to take that number. In 1973, the league crafted a numbering system so officials could better recognize players by their positions. Quarterbacks are allotted Nos. 1 through 19. Running backs wear Nos. 20 through 49, and wide receivers and tight ends wear Nos. 80 through 89.


The league has recently loosened its rules on wide receivers, reportedly due to the volume of retired numbers at the position combined with the number of players at that position.

In 2004, running back Edgerrin James, then playing with the Indianapolis Colts, unsuccessfully petitioned for No. 5.

Backup quarterback Adrian McPherson wore No. 5 for the Saints last year.

Darren Rovell, who covers sports business for ESPN.com, can be reached at Darren.rovell@espn3.com.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft0...ory?id=2429358

RE: record 15,000 bush jerseys ordered
 

Just order and Adrian McPherson jersey (ie cheap) and then put Bush's name on the back!

RE: record 15,000 bush jerseys ordered
 

If Mcpherson doen't let Reggie have the Number 5, then the Saints might have to cut the number 3 QB on the team...haha

RE: record 15,000 bush jerseys ordered
 

I heard players who bought a number from who another player had for big bucks, I'd offer Mcpherson $20,000 for the number which is pennies to Bush, take it or get cut (smile)

RE: record 15,000 bush jerseys ordered
 

nah, no money, he should switch numbers just to room with bush. Think of the babes you could bag being Reggie Bush's wingman......LMAO

RE: record 15,000 bush jerseys ordered
 

Hell they all get the babes, even the water boy get's em

RE: record 15,000 bush jerseys ordered
 

With the league minimum as high as it is, any player can get the babes. :wink:

RE: record 15,000 bush jerseys ordered
 

AMac won't have to worry about giving up #5. You guys actually think the No Fun League will change its uniform policy for a rook? It is a ridiculous rule that Tags has, but there is no chance the NFL changes its policy until a new commish takes control. Reggie should start asking one of our 10 safeties about a number, they seem to have a lot in the 20's that may be the next best thing; 21 (6+1+9+5), 23 (Michael Jordan's #), 25 (2nd pick, #5).