Mailbag 208: What’s the most consistent jersey number at Auburn?

AUBURN — Over the weekend, I was having a conversation with someone about my job. This person asked how I came up with topics for newsletters when neither Auburn basketball nor Auburn football are in-season.

I told this person that I wrote a mailbag almost every week where I answer questions directly from our subscribers. It’s an easy way to come up with stuff to write. It’s been the longest-running thing I’ve done, dating back to the SEC Country days and through my time at The Athletic. It’s also, on average, my most-read piece each week.

I’ve done more than 200 of these at The Observer alone, and I did hundreds more at my past jobs. I’ve learned there’s a science to picking which question gets the lead, headline-making treatment. While a lot of our mailbags are total free-for-alls, especially towards the end, you usually want to make your first question something timely and relevant to what’s going on right now with Auburn.

And then there are times when an off-the-wall question commands that slot. This is one of those mailbags.

This week, we’ll tackle questions about Auburn football’s linebackers, future scheduling approaches, looking ahead to next season in basketball and a lot more. And my question to y’all this week was a simple one: What’s your favorite breakfast cereal?

But, before we get to all of that, we start with a historical question that caused me to do some heavy-duty diving into past media guides and roster breakdowns.

While we know the most famous jersey numbers at Auburn, which digit has had the most consistent success over the years? The answer might surprise you.

This is such a great question, because the retired and unofficially retired numbers for Auburn football are the ones that stand out the most: Cam Newton’s 2, Pat Sullivan’s 7, Bo Jackson’s 34 and Terry Beasley’s 88. While those numbers have the biggest stars attached to them, they don’t have much depth — because they’re not reused.

My first approach to answering this question was a simple one: What number, outside of these four, had the most star players? The best way I knew how to tackle that was to look through Auburn’s All-Americans over the years.

There were a pair of numbers that had two picks each: 74 for Tracy Rocker and Wayne Gandy, and 11 for Karlos Dansby and Chris Davis. But there was another pair that had three All-Americans each: 4 for Chris Shelling, Junior Rosegreen and Jeff Holland, and 55 for Ben Tamburello, Takeo Spikes and Carl Lawson.

Right away, I had the two numbers I wanted to look at the closest. James makes a good point in his question about how certain numbers feel like they always have a dude with them. If we’re trying to find the most consistent one, we should start with the current era and work our way back.

When it comes to the 55 jersey, there were a couple of solid players in the last decade or so that had the number with Lawson: T.D. Moultry and Corey Lemonier. That number was most recently worn by offensive lineman Bradyn Joiner, who recently transferred out of the program. While 55 conjures great visions in my head of terrifying pass rushers or dominant offensive linemen, it’s not extremely deep outside of the big names.

Then I turned my attention to the 4 jersey, and I was blown away.

When discussing Auburn football, one of the most intriguing topics among fans and analysts alike is the significance of jersey numbers—particularly those that have become synonymous with excellence, tradition, and consistency over the years. Throughout its storied history, Auburn has seen numerous iconic players don various numbers, but a few jersey numbers stand out due to their longstanding association with excellence, tradition, and a consistent presence on the field. In this deep dive, we explore the question: *What is the most consistent jersey number at Auburn?* We examine the historical context, legendary players, the significance of certain numbers, and the impact of jersey number traditions at Auburn University.

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### The Importance of Jersey Numbers in College Football

Jersey numbers in college football often carry more than just identification—they embody tradition, position identity, and sometimes even the legacy of legendary players. While in the NFL, jersey numbers are heavily regulated by position, college football offers more flexibility, allowing programs to assign numbers based on tradition, personal preference, or other factors. At Auburn, certain numbers have gained legendary status because of the players who wore them and their contributions to the program’s history.

### Historical Context and the Role of Jersey Numbers at Auburn

Auburn’s football history dates back to 1892, making it one of the oldest programs in college football. Over this extensive timeline, many players have worn various numbers, but some have worn the same number for many years or have become so iconic that their jersey number is almost a symbol of the program itself.

The university’s athletic department and football program have maintained a tradition of honoring certain numbers, especially those worn by legendary players. Additionally, Auburn’s coaching staff and players sometimes retire numbers or create hall of fame distinctions for specific jerseys, further cementing their significance.

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### Iconic Numbers and Their Legacy at Auburn

While many jersey numbers have been worn by notable players, a handful have emerged as especially significant due to their consistency, longevity, and the legendary players who donned them.

#### 1. **Number 7 – The Bo Jackson Legacy**

Perhaps the most iconic jersey number in Auburn football history is **Number 7**, famously worn by Bo Jackson. Jackson’s tenure from 1982 to 1985 established this number as legendary. His combination of athleticism, charisma, and influence on and off the field made Number 7 a symbol of excellence and versatility.

Bo Jackson’s success as a two-sport superstar—dominating in football and baseball—created a lasting legacy for the number. Jackson’s Heisman Trophy win in 1985, along with his All-American accolades, elevated Number 7 to a status that’s revered among Auburn fans.

**Significance:** Since Jackson, Auburn has often associated Number 7 with greatness, and it has been worn by other talented players, though none have quite matched Jackson’s legendary status.

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#### 2. **Number 9 – The Pat Sullivan Era**

Another highly significant number is **Number 9**, most notably worn by Pat Sullivan, Auburn’s quarterback from 1975 to 1978. Sullivan led Auburn to its first national championship in 1957 and won the Heisman Trophy in 1971, though he is more famously associated with the late 1970s.

While the timing may seem off (the Heisman was won earlier), Sullivan’s influence in establishing Auburn’s football prominence and his leadership as a quarterback made Number 9 a revered jersey.

**Legacy:** The number symbolizes leadership and the early rise of Auburn’s prominence in college football, and it has been worn by other notable quarterbacks since.

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#### 3. **Number 88 – The Wide Receiver Tradition**

While not as consistently worn by a single legendary player as others, **Number 88** has become a staple for Auburn wide receivers. Several great pass catchers have worn 88 over the years, and the number has become associated with Auburn’s high-powered passing game.

Players like **Harold Jackson** (the All-American wide receiver from the 1960s) have added to its prestige, and the number continues to be a favorite among skill-position players.

**Significance:** The number has become a tradition for Auburn wide receivers, symbolizing the explosive passing attack that has been a hallmark of Auburn football.

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### The Most Consistent Jersey Number at Auburn: Analyzing Longevity and Tradition

While legendary players have contributed to the mystique of certain numbers, the question remains: *Which jersey number at Auburn has been worn most consistently over the years?* To answer this, we analyze historical data, looking at the number of players who have worn particular jerseys, the length of time the number has been in use, and its association with sustained excellence.

#### 1. **Number 10**

Number 10 has a rich history at Auburn, worn by multiple notable players, including quarterback **Jason Campbell** (2001–2004), who led Auburn to a national championship game appearance, and **Cameron Newton** (2010), whose Heisman-winning season further elevated the number’s prestige.

While not as exclusively associated with one player as others, 10 has been in consistent use for decades, often worn by quarterbacks and skill players.

#### 2. **Number 3**

Number 3 has been worn by several standout players, including **Will Herring** (linebacker) and **Nick Marshall** (quarterback/defensive back). It’s a number that has seen consistent use over the years.

#### 3. **Number 8**

Number 8 has been popular among Auburn quarterbacks, including **Brandon Cox** and **Cam Newton**. Its frequent use over the years indicates a tradition of high-profile players wearing this number.

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### The Front-Runner: **Number 7**

Based on historical data, legendary status, and the number’s association with some of Auburn’s greatest players, **Number 7** stands out as the most consistent and iconic jersey number in Auburn football history.

– **Long-term usage:** Since Bo Jackson’s legendary days in the 1980s, Number 7 has been an emblem of elite talent at Auburn.
– **Legendary wearers:** Bo Jackson, Jason Campbell, and even recent stars like **Cameron Newton** (who wore 2 but also wore 7 earlier in his Auburn career) have contributed to its prestige.
– **Cultural impact:** The number 7 has become a symbol for Auburn fans, often displayed in memorabilia, and is frequently worn by players proud to carry on the tradition.

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### Retired Numbers and Honoring Legends

Auburn also honors its great players by retiring certain numbers, which further emphasizes their importance and the tradition of consistency.

– **Number 7** is not officially retired but remains iconic due to Jackson’s legacy.
– **Number 9** is sometimes honored, given Sullivan’s prominence.
– Other numbers, such as **Number 88** and **Number 10**, are celebrated for their association with legendary players but are still in circulation.

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### The Broader Significance: Why Number 7 and Others Matter

The importance of jersey numbers extends beyond mere identification. They serve as living symbols of a program’s history, tradition, and values.

– **Identity and Legacy:** Wearing a number associated with greatness carries responsibility and pride.
– **Recruitment and Culture:** Recruits often aspire to wear numbers linked with legendary players, perpetuating a cycle of excellence.
– **Fan Connection:** Fans hold particular numbers in high esteem, often purchasing jerseys and memorabilia that bear these symbols of Auburn’s rich history.

The Most Consistent Jersey Number at Auburn

While several numbers have storied histories, **Number 7** emerges as the most consistent and iconic jersey number in Auburn football. Worn by some of the program’s most legendary players—most notably Bo Jackson—Number 7 has become a symbol of excellence, versatility, and tradition. Its enduring legacy, combined with the high-profile athletes who have worn it and its cultural significance among fans, cements Number 7 as Auburn’s most consistent and revered football jersey.

In the end, Auburn’s jersey number tradition reflects its storied past and bright future—where greatness is carried forward, one jersey at a time. Whether it’s the legendary Number 7 or other iconic numbers, Auburn’s history is etched into every thread of its uniforms, inspiring new generations to strive for the greatness associated with these symbols of Auburn football.