Former Tennessee football wide receiver Jalin Hyatt has changed his number prior to the start of the season.
After wearing No. 84 throughout the offseason and into the preseason, Hyatt has changed his number to No. 13 for his rookie year.
If you kept up with the NFL 6-8 years ago, you’d know that No. 13 used to be worn by legendary Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr.
Beckham, now with the Ravens, was drafted by New York in 2014 and played for the G-Men through the 2018 season. His biggest claim to fame is making arguably the greatest catch in NFL history.
Hyatt has made a handful of comments regarding the number change, most notably stating he wants to create his own legacy with No. 13.
“There’s no story behind it,” Hyatt said on the number change via the team’s website. “I just want to start my own legacy with it and do my best for the Giants in No. 13.”
Additionally, Hyatt went on to comment about how he was a fan of Beckham’s in high school.
“I was a fan when I was young watching him. High school, college, and now being here, but just with the jersey number, it’s just one of those things I wanted to start my own legacy,” Hyatt said.
More From RTI: Why Tennessee Will Be Honoring Virginia With Helmet Decals
Hyatt wore No. 11 while at the University of Tennessee, but the Giants retired No. 11 to honor quarterback Phil Simms many years ago, so 11 was not an option.
After it was announced Hyatt changed his number, Beckham took to X to support Hyatt.
ROCK OUT ONE THREE @jalinhyatt 🚀
— Odell Beckham Jr (@obj) August 31, 2023
Love family !
— Jalin Hyatt (@jalinhyatt) August 31, 2023
We’ll see what Hyatt can do sporting the No. 13 in his rookie season. The VFL has showcased his potential multiple times already over the preseason.
The last rookie wide receiver to wear No. 13 for the Giants was Beckham, who won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Beckham posted a ridiculous 91-1,305-12 stat line in just 11 starts and 12 appearances.
The Giants begin their season on Sunday, September 10 against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football in MetLife Stadium.
