Brian Kelly reveals plans for No. 7 and 18 jerseys
LSU has a number of football traditions, but one of its proudest are the pair of honorary jersey numbers. Each year, players are selected to hold the prestigious No. 7 and No. 18 jerseys, with No. 7 traditionally being given to a top playmaker and No. 18 being worn by a (usually veteran) player who exemplifies on and off-field excellence.
Last year, cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. wore No. 7 while linebacker Damone Clark and running back Chris Curry wore No. 18.
When LSU released its first roster for 2022, many noticed that neither jersey had been assigned. At his press conference on Saturday, new coach Brian Kelly offered some clarification.
Kelly said that he will leave it up to the players whether those jerseys are assigned this season.
Brian Kelly said he's done the research on No. 7 and No. 18 and understands the history it holds, but he wants to leave it up to the team as to whether they give the jerseys out to guys this year.
"I'll honor their wishes as to what they decide."
— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) April 9, 2022
It’s hard to imagine no one on this year’s squad will wear either number, but given that Kelly is still learning the leadership dynamics within the team, it makes sense that he would leave that decision ultimately up to the players’ discretion.
Both jerseys have been worn by a number of stars and future NFL players. Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu, D.J. Chark Jr. and Grant Delpit all wore No. 7, while No. 18 has been shared by Matt Mauck, Jacob Hester, Lloyd Cushenberry and K'Lavon Chaisson.
We’ll have to wait and see who (if anyone) receives those honors this season, but it seems that decision will ultimately rest with the players.
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