Over the last five years, the Patriots have seen many legendary players decide to retire or move on with other teams, officially marking the end of the dynasty era. That became a big story this offseason, as the new regime led by Mike Vrabel released or did not re-sign the longest-tenured players who were part of a Super Bowl, which really marked the end of the glory days.
Because of that, several jersey numbers have seemingly become untouchable in the eyes of the fans, besides the infamous number 12 that Tom Brady wore for the entirety of his career. That led to the uproar over Rob Gronkowski's number being handed out over the last few years, even Julian Edelman's as well.
It has become a conversation this offseason, too, as the Patriots' newest wide receiver, Kyle Williams, was assigned No. 18, last worn by Matthew Slater, who retired after the 2023 season.
New England Patriots WR Kyle Williams (@k_mmoneyyyy) is wearing number 18. Last assigned to Matthew Slater. #NEPats pic.twitter.com/j7qXdotFvD
— NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) April 29, 2025
Unfortunately for Williams, fans are not happy about it.
Patriots fans continue to create chaos over retired players' jersey numbers
Despite the team not formally retiring the number, Slater's jersey number being handed out is just the latest controversy among Patriots fans. As great as the special teamer was, and he should go down as the greatest to ever do in New England and the NFL, his number shouldn't be deemed untouchable unless Robert Kraft chose to retire it, like he did with Brady's number last offseason.
Understandably, fans are not ready to accept that specific numbers will be given out to new players, but the Patriots have had the fortune of rostering countless incredible players over the years and it would be impossible to retire them all or, at the very least, not allow new players to use every single one.
Expressing upset feelings about the news is fine, too, until it escalates into sending negativity to the player who will be wearing that number, much like some Patriots fans did to Mitchell Wilcox last year when he was assigned No. 87.
As long as that doesn't happen and eventually fans can accept that giving out these numbers isn't meant to be disrespectful, then everything will be good.