Jersey numbers in Kansas City aren't just digits. They’re basically identity markers. If you’ve ever walked through the parking lot at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, you know the sea of red isn't just generic—it's a collection of 15s, 87s, and increasingly, those sleek single digits.
When the 2025 NFL Draft wrapped up, everyone wanted to know one thing: What’s the newest speedster going to wear? The Chiefs rookie WR number selection for 2025 landed on Utah State standout Jalen Royals, and the choice he made actually sent a pretty clear message about the state of the roster.
He’s rocking No. 11.
Now, if you’re a casual fan, you might just think, "Cool, double ones." But in the context of this team, that number carries some baggage and a little bit of a "new era" vibe. Honestly, it’s kinda fascinating how much a piece of cloth matters to these guys.
The Story Behind the 11
Jalen Royals coming into the building and grabbing No. 11 was more than just a fashion choice. It was the final nail in the coffin for the Carson Wentz era in KC.
Wentz, who served as the backup to Patrick Mahomes last season, wore 11. Once the Chiefs social media team posted that Royals was officially taking those digits, it was the "official" confirmation that Wentz was moving on. In the NFL, "stealing" a veteran's number is the ultimate sign of a changing guard.
Why did Royals pick it? Well, he didn't really have a choice to keep his college identity. At Utah State, Royals wore No. 1.
The problem? Xavier Worthy exists.
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Worthy, the first-round burner from the 2024 class, has that No. 1 jersey on lock. He’s made it clear in interviews that the number is a part of him—he’s worn it since his junior year of high school when he first "popped" on the scene. Since the Chiefs don't allow two receivers to wear the same number during the regular season, Royals had to pivot. He went with the "double one" look. It’s a clean transition for a guy who has spent his career being "the one."
Why Rookie WR Numbers Are So Complicated in KC
Kansas City is a tough place to find a "classic" receiver number. The team has a rich history, which means a lot of the legendary numbers are retired or "unofficially" out of circulation.
You can’t grab 16 (Len Dawson). You can’t touch 18 (Emmitt Thomas).
And let’s be real, nobody is asking for 33 or 37 as a wideout.
The league changed the rules a few years back, allowing wide receivers to wear anything from 0 to 49 and 80 to 89. This opened up a massive creative window. But in Kansas City, the competition for the "cool" numbers is fierce.
- Xavier Worthy (No. 1)
- Marquise "Hollywood" Brown (No. 5)
- JuJu Smith-Schuster (No. 9)
- Skyy Moore (No. 24 - though he's bounced around)
- Rashee Rice (No. 4)
Royals joining the 11 club puts him in the same lineage as guys like Tyreek Hill (who wore 10, obviously) and Sammy Watkins (14). It’s that low-teen range that signals a certain type of playstyle. Fast. Twitchy. Reliable.
The "Royals 85" Missed Opportunity
There was a huge segment of the fanbase—and honestly, some local media—pulling for Royals to take No. 85.
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Why? Because the Kansas City Royals baseball team shares the Truman Sports Complex parking lot.
Imagine the marketing. A guy named Royals wearing 85 (like the 1985 World Series win). It would have been a licensing gold mine. But players today, especially receivers, generally hate the 80s. They think they look "heavy" or like tight ends. Royals clearly wanted to stay in the low numbers, keeping that sleek, modern aesthetic that the Chiefs' current WR room is known for.
Beyond the Wideouts: The 2025 Class
While the Chiefs rookie WR number selection gets the most hype because receivers are the flashy "divas" of the jersey world (in a good way), the rest of the 2025 class had to make their picks too.
It’s a mix of sticking to roots and being forced to change.
Josh Simmons, the massive offensive tackle out of Ohio State, managed to keep his No. 71. That’s a win. Offensive linemen are creatures of habit. If they can keep their college number, they usually do. It makes them feel at home when they’re getting screamed at by Steve Spagnuolo during training camp.
Omarr Norman-Lott, the defensive tackle from Tennessee, also kept his No. 55.
Then you have guys like Nohl Williams. He wore No. 3 at Cal. In KC, he’s wearing No. 20. It’s a classic defensive back number, but you can tell it’s a transition. He’s moving from the "single digit" star role to the "grind it out" pro role.
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What to Watch During Training Camp
The thing you have to remember is that these numbers aren't always permanent.
Rookie minicamp is one thing, but the 53-man roster cutdown is the real deal. Sometimes a veteran gets cut, a "better" number opens up, and suddenly Jalen Royals might be wearing something else by September.
However, No. 11 feels like a solid bet for him. It fits his frame, and it distances him from the "traditional" 80s numbers that are becoming extinct among top-tier NFL wideouts.
If you're planning on buying a jersey, the smart move is usually to wait until the final preseason game. But if you’re a Jalen Royals believer, No. 11 is the flag he’s planting in the ground for now. It’s his way of saying the old backup QB era is over, and the new explosive offense is here to stay.
Keep an eye on how these numbers look on the field during OTAs. Sometimes a guy looks faster in a certain number. It sounds stupid, but ask any player—they’ll tell you "look good, feel good, play good" is a real thing.
For the Chiefs, they’re hoping No. 11 looks like a star.
Actionable Next Steps:
If you're tracking the Chiefs' roster development, start by monitoring the unofficial depth chart released before the first preseason game. This is usually when jersey numbers are "soft-locked." For Jalen Royals specifically, watch his usage in the slot versus the perimeter during training camp drills; his jersey number (11) is traditionally a "Z" receiver number in Andy Reid's system, which could give you a hint about his early-season role. Finally, check the Chiefs' official Pro Shop updates in late August before purchasing any rookie apparel, as that is the only time numbers are 100% guaranteed for the season.