Plaxico Burress Shares Why He Refused to Wear Lynn Swann’s Jersey Number
When the Pittsburgh Steelers recently assigned jersey numbers to their newest draft picks, it highlighted how iconic certain numbers have become within the organization—numbers like 43 for Troy Polamalu and 7 for Ben Roethlisberger. However, while few numbers are officially retired by the Steelers, some still carry a legacy that players recognize and respect.
Former wide receiver Plaxico Burress recently recalled his own experience when he was drafted by Pittsburgh in 2000. Speaking on his Up on Game podcast, Burress shared that the team initially gave him jersey number 88.
“I walked in the day after being drafted, and they gave me number 88,” Burress said. “I went straight to the equipment staff and told them I didn’t want it. They asked why, and I said, ‘That’s Lynn Swann’s number. What am I supposed to do with that?’”
Though his rookie cards show him wearing 88, Burress changed to number 80 before the season started. His decision reflected a deep respect for team history and for Swann, one of the franchise’s legendary receivers. Burress questioned why the number wasn’t retired, noting the significance Swann holds in Steelers history.
Lynn Swann played a pivotal role in Pittsburgh’s dominance during the 1970s, winning four Super Bowls and being named MVP of Super Bowl X. He made numerous memorable plays, including a famous 53-yard catch in that championship game.
Despite Swann’s achievements, his number 88 has never been officially retired. The Steelers have only retired three numbers: Ernie Stautner’s 70, Joe Greene’s 75, and Franco Harris’ 32, with Harris’ number only being retired recently in 2022.
While some numbers, like Terry Bradshaw’s 12, haven’t been worn since the player retired, others like Swann’s have remained in circulation. Tight end Pat Freiermuth currently wears No. 88, and several players have worn it since Swann retired in 1982.
Burress didn’t want to add his name to that list. Rather than wear a number tied to a franchise icon, he chose to build his own identity with a different number. Considering the expectations that come with being a top-10 draft pick, it’s understandable he preferred to avoid added pressure.
Historically, wide receivers and tight ends were limited to jersey numbers between 80 and 89, which made it hard for teams to unofficially retire numbers like Swann’s. That’s likely why Burress was offered 88 in the first place. But with today’s more flexible numbering rules—allowing even single-digit numbers for receivers—the team might eventually reconsider how they handle iconic numbers.
When Freiermuth eventually moves on, perhaps Pittsburgh will be more selective about issuing 88. Even if it’s not formally retired, reserving it could still serve as a respectful nod to one of the team’s all-time greats.
