DK Metcalf is a giant. You see him on the field and the first thing you notice isn't the jersey—it’s the fact that a human being that size shouldn't be able to run that fast. But once you stop staring at his 4.3 speed, your eyes settle on the digits. For years, that was a bold 14 screaming down the sidelines in Seattle.
Things changed.
If you've been watching the 2025 season, you probably noticed the "14" is gone. It's a bit jarring, honestly. He looks like a completely different player in that black and gold. He’s rocking the No. 4 now, and the story of how he got there is actually way more about respect than it is about branding.
The Pittsburgh Pivot: Why No. 4?
When DK Metcalf was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in March 2025, everyone assumed he’d just bully his way into keeping his signature number. I mean, he’s DK. But there was a snag: George Pickens.
Pickens already had 14. In the NFL, jersey numbers are a weirdly sacred currency. Usually, the veteran or the "bigger star" buys the number off the younger guy. We’re talking Rolexes, cold hard cash, or five-figure donations to charity. But Metcalf didn't do any of that.
He basically said, "He was here first."
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Metcalf told reporters that Pickens had already made a "staple" in the No. 14 in Pittsburgh. He didn't want to come in and disrupt that legacy. Instead, he decided to start a new chapter. He literally just chopped the "1" off his old number.
When people asked him why he chose 4 specifically, his answer was peak DK: "It just looked good."
A Weird Twist of Fate
Here’s the kicker—and the part that probably annoys some fans who already bought the new jersey. Shortly after Metcalf settled on No. 4, the Steelers ended up trading George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. Suddenly, No. 14 was wide open.
Did DK switch back? Nope.
By that point, the "DK4" branding was already in motion. Plus, running back Kenneth Gainwell jumped into the 14 slot almost immediately. It’s funny how these things work out. Metcalf is now the first wide receiver in Steelers history to wear a single-digit number during the regular season. That’s a pretty cool bit of trivia for a guy who’s all about breaking molds.
The Long History of No. 14
Before the 2025 shakeup, 14 was all Metcalf knew. Most players have a "journey" with their numbers—wearing one in Peewee, another in high school, and something else in college because their favorite was taken.
DK isn't most players.
He wore 14 at Oxford High School. He wore 14 at Ole Miss, where he became a viral sensation for that photo (you know the one, where he looks like a literal superhero). Then, the Seattle Seahawks drafted him in the second round of 2019, and he kept the streak alive.
- Ole Miss Career: 14
- Seattle Seahawks (2019-2024): 14
- Pittsburgh Steelers (2025-Present): 4
It’s actually rare to see a player stay that consistent through three levels of football. Usually, a college team has a "retired" number or an upperclassman who won't budge. But Metcalf’s presence is sort of undeniable. If DK wants 14, you generally give him 14.
The Rules That Made It Possible
Ten years ago, a wide receiver wearing No. 4 would have been illegal. Seriously. The NFL used to be incredibly strict about "positional numbering."
Wide receivers were basically forced into the 80-89 range. If those were full, they could dip into the 10-19 range. That was it. You weren't seeing a 230-pound receiver running around with a single digit like he was a punter or a quarterback.
In 2021, the league finally loosened up. The Kansas City Chiefs actually proposed the change because they were running out of numbers. Now, wideouts can wear anything from 1 to 49 and 80 to 89. This rule change is the only reason Metcalf was able to "look good" in that single 4.
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Is the Number "Lucky"?
I’m not a big believer in luck, but the stats don't lie. Metcalf has been a beast regardless of what’s on his chest.
In Seattle, wearing 14, he broke Steve Largent’s franchise record for receiving yards in a single season (1,303 yards in 2020). He made Pro Bowls. He became the guy who chased down Budda Baker in a play that defied physics.
Switching to 4 hasn't slowed him down. In his first season with Pittsburgh, he’s already putting up massive numbers, proving that the "aura" comes from the guy, not the jersey.
What This Means for Collectors
If you’re a jersey collector, the DK Metcalf catalog is getting interesting. You’ve got the classic Seattle 14, which is a staple for any Seahawks fan. But the "transition" gear is where the real value often hides.
There was a very brief window where some outlets were mock-up testing Metcalf in Pittsburgh 14 gear before he officially announced the switch to 4. If you find any of those rare misprints, hold onto them.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
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- Buying a Jersey: If you want the "current" look, you’re looking for the Metcalf No. 4 Steelers jersey. Don't buy a No. 14 Steelers jersey unless you're looking for a George Pickens or Kenneth Gainwell kit.
- Memorabilia Value: The Seattle No. 14 jerseys are likely to hold their value long-term because that’s where he built his All-Pro resume.
- Authentication: When buying signed gear, always check the "Inscriptions." A signed ball with "DK14" is a throwback; "DK4" is the new era.
Ultimately, Metcalf's jersey number change shows a level of maturity that people don't always give him credit for. He could have demanded 14. He could have paid for it. Instead, he just changed his handle, dropped the "1," and kept on Mossing defenders.
He didn't need the old number to keep the same game.
To keep up with DK's latest stats and any future equipment changes, you can follow the official Steelers roster updates or check the NFL's weekly GSIS (Game Statistics and Information System) reports.