New England Patriots' Christian Gonzalez Hints Number Change?

Christian Gonzalez would make New England Patriot history if he reverts to his college number.

By Geoff Maggliocchetti

Oct 8, 2022; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of the jersey of Oregon Ducks defensive back
Oct 8, 2022; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of the jersey of Oregon Ducks defensive back / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Christian Gonzalez could look like a whole new ball player when he's ready to return to the New England Patriots.

The Foxborough rookie sensation, whose maiden voyage was cut short by injury, offered an intriguing numerical hint on his Instagram story, featuring a photo of him adorned in his collegiate jersey from Oregon, one bearing No. 0.

Mike Kadlick of WEEI noted that Gonzalez had buried a winking emoji at the bottom of the city, taking that to hint of a potential numerical shift. Gonzalez wore the No. 6 during his abbreviated first season with the Patriots.

Sep 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez
Sep 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Gonzalez, last year's first-round pick, is one of the brightest contributors the Patriots' active rebuild has going for it. The former Duck impressed in a small sample size after coming over as the 17th overall choice, earning Defensive Rookie of the Month honors for September with 17 tackles, three pass breakups, and a sack and interception each.

Perhaps headling the Murphy's Law nature of Bill Belichick's final season at the New England helm, Gonzalez suffered both a torn labrum and a dislocated shoulder during the Patriots' October-opening loss in Dallas. His return from the injured list will no doubt serve as one of the most intriguing subplots of the upcoming campaign.

If Gonzalez does opt to switch to zero, it would make Patriots history, as no wearer of a Pat Patriot/Flying Elvis helmet has ever donned the digit. The number was officially offered as a selection for all players except linemen on both sides of the ball during league-wide adjustments to jersey digits in 2021. Notable wearers who took advantage include Roquan Smith, D'Andre Swift, and Calvin Ridley.

Don't expect Gonzalez's potential switch to hint at where the Patriots are leaning with the third overall pick in the upcoming draft, as none of the potential passing prospects heading to the Patriots wore the No. 6 in college.