I was thinking about the core four and the other shadow-retired numbers we have, and it gave me an idea. If anyone from the team is reading this, you can have this idea! It’s yours!
Instead of retiring jersey numbers, make certain numbers “legacy” numbers based on who used to wear them. The current wearer of that number would then get a little patch - similar to what the NFL did with the rookie patches this year - and theyd wear that patch as long as they had that number. So 62 for instance, it can still be worn once kelce retires, but whoever wears it also wears a little patch on their jersey that recognizes the number as special. Michigan football used to do this too, not sure if they still do.
I think its a good idea, and I stand by it!
I dunno, I like the idea of some numbers being too special to ever be worn again. Some guys just reach that point and it’s fair to never want to see another player wear it.
ETA: If number availability ever becomes an actual concern, I do like your idea if we have to “unretire” some of them.