Legendary Baltimore Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas wore No. 19. Ravens rookie receiver Keenan Reynolds wore No. 19 at Navy. Via the Baltimore Sun, a question has arisen regarding whether the Ravens should issue No. 19 to Reynolds.
Joe Unitas (son of Johnny) supports the issuance of No. 19 to Reynolds -- in part because Johnny Unitas apparently never cared about jersey numbers or statistics. For his part, Reynolds (according to his agent, Che Mock) hasn’t asked for the number.
“For the Unitas family to come out and say they would like to see Keenan wear the No. 19 is a big deal,” Mock told the Sun. “Keenan is a very humble young man and has great respect for the history of the National Football League. He knows all about the great Johnny Unitas and what he accomplished.”
But it’s one thing for Reynolds (through Mock) to say the player won’t ask to wear No. 19. It’s quite another for Reynolds to rule out wearing it.
“Given the numerous records Keenan set while wearing the 19 jersey for Navy, I am sure he would be tremendously honored to do so with the Ravens,” Mock said.
None of it matters, because Ravens P.R. chief Kevin Byrne has said the number won’t be issued, out of respect to Unitas. If that’s the case, the Ravens should just retire it.