Last month, the Carolina Panthers surprisingly withdrew their franchise tag offer to Josh Norman, making the Pro Bowl cornerback an unrestricted free agent. Norman and the team could not seem to come to a contractual agreement, which led the team to believe there would be no path to a long-term deal, therefore the Panthers rescinded the tag.
Norman was possibly one of the most valuable defensive players last season, which resulted in a high demand for the player, until ultimately signing with the Washington Redskins. Once, Norman parted ways with the team, his number became available to anyone who wanted it. However, with the number comes confidence and efficiency and rookie James Bradberry made a statement when chose number 24, Norman’s former jersey number.
“When I picked the number I was just picking a nice number,” Bradberry claimed. “I’ve seen guys in the past wear it, like Champ Bailey, Darrelle Revis. Of course I saw Josh Norman play in it last year. I just liked the number. They didn’t have 21. That was my college number, so I picked 24.”
While several other numbers were available, according to ESPN, Bradberry took the initiative to make a statement, even if he doesn’t believe so himself.
“It wasn’t any like any shade or shout-out to him,” he said. “I just wanted to pick the number.” When asked if he could be the player to replace Norman, “hopefully,” he added. “I’m just trying to help this team win, whatever that might be…special teams, go out there and lock up the number one receiver, just play my role.”