Jayron Kearse challenges Micah Parsons for new jersey number following NFL rule change

The Dallas Cowboys are looking at a potentially heated battle between two of their defensive stars, safety Jayron Kearse and linebacker Micah Parsons. But it might not be the kind of battle you think it is. The battle brewing between Kearse and Parsons will be for who gets the right to be “Agent 0” next season.

On Tuesday, it was announced that the NFL has come to an agreement to allow players, non-offensive and defensive line players, the opportunity to wear the number zero in the upcoming 2023 season. After the news was announced, Parsons quickly took a social media to claim the number zero for himself. But shortly after the Cowboys defense standout made his claim on the new number, his partner on defense retweeted his post with a message claiming he already beat him to the punch. You can check out Kearse’s message to Parsons in the image below.

Who's making the switch? 😂@MicahhParsons11 | @Jayronkearse8 pic.twitter.com/XF4eMp25nn

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 28, 2023

In Dallas’ defense under defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, both Kearse and Parsons have wreaked havoc on opposing offenses. But arguably, Parsons has been the most problematic player on the Cowboys roster. Still, it would be challenging to pinpoint whose claim to the number is bigger. This battle will likely end as a first come, first served victory, with the loser having to pay a hefty price in order to pry the number away from the other. Or maybe the NFL will approve double-zero, and then everybody wins.

NFL owners approve proposal allowing players to wear No. 0

The NFL owners have approved a proposal that will allow players to wear the No. 0. The proposal was put forth by the Philadelphia Eagles. It is the second major change to roster numbers in the past three seasons after the NFL owners relaxed jersey number designations ahead of the 2021 season. A number of team executives gave their thoughts on the latest number rule change.

“I don’t think there was any discussion, and we voted,” Falcons president/competition committee co-chair Rich McKay said.

“This is one thing that could help us in that challenge, because we do have some players that tend to like the single digit,” McKay said. “Numbers are more problematic than they’ve ever been, so this one had very little pushback.”

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley has already announced he will wear No. 0 for this upcoming season.

“Excited to be the first Jaguars player to wear zero,” Ridley tweeted. “Shout out to (Jaguars Equipment)!”