in the nfl why do QBs have to wear low #s, RBs 20s & 30s, Linemen higher #'s, WRs 80s, etc... why can't they just wear any number they want? does it really matter if the ref has to call holding on a lineman wearing #3 rather a more traditional # like 76? I don't get it. Does it have something to do with roster spot restrictions? Can anyone explain?

It helps to delineate positions. The numbers make it easier to identify who's playing what position and helps the officials avoid confusion in matters where pass eligibility is concerned. A person wearing 76 for instance can run, block, or pass the ball, but CANNOT catch a pass in high school football. In college or the NFL, he must report to the referee before the play is to take place that he is going to line up in an eligible spot on the end of the line and attempt to catch a pass.

The point of numbers is that if there was no numbers than nobody would know who was who and they are cool

CERTAIN NUMBERS CAN DO CERTAIN THING BY THE RULES LIKE A 60S LINEMAN MUST REPORT AS AN ELIGABLE RECIEVER TO BE ABLE TO BE THE FIRST ONE TO TRY TO CATCH THE BALL

You wouldnt know.

It's easier to keep track of the players, it also helps identify what position they play. If they have a low # then they are offence, higher #'s are defence.

It's just a system.

to reconise the players

identity

to identify the player and there position DUH and RBs can wear 40s too and LT would look stupid 76