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Bears' No. 12 for LB Sparks Fan Outrage
15 Apr
Summary
- Devin Bush will wear number 12 as a linebacker, a departure from tradition.
- NFL rules changes allow linebackers to wear numbers 0-59 and 90-99.
- New signings and returning players received updated jersey numbers for the season.

The Chicago Bears have unveiled jersey numbers for their offseason free-agent additions and trade acquisitions, alongside updates for some returning players. A prominent talking point is linebacker Devin Bush's decision to wear the number 12, a choice that has drawn criticism from fans accustomed to stricter positional numbering rules. Previously, linebackers were restricted to numbers 40-59 and 90-99, but recent NFL rule modifications now permit them to select from 0-59 and 90-99.
Several other players are adopting numbers previously associated with former Bears. Jahdae Walker will now wear No. 9, which belonged to safety Jaquan Brisker. Safety Coby Bryant, a significant offseason acquisition, has taken over No. 2, formerly worn by DJ Moore. Other notable number assignments include Kalif Raymond taking Olamide Zaccheaus's former number, Cam Lewis assuming Travis Homer's number, and Jedrick Wills adopting Ryan Bates's previous digits.