Brashard Smith, Tyquan Thornton among players to don new jersey numbers after Kansas City Chiefs’ 53-man roster cuts

Several Kansas City Chiefs players now have new roster numbers following 53-man roster cuts. Here’s why.

Charles Goldman — NFL Managing Editor
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You might see a new No. 24 at practice on Wednesday, but don’t worry, the Kansas City Chiefs didn’t secretly acquire Skyy Moore back from the San Francisco 49ers. Several Chiefs players will don new jersey numbers after the initial 53-man roster was finalized. That’s because with over 30 players no longer on the team, there are many more jersey numbers available that were previously unavailable.

For rookie RB Brashard Smith, he was initially assigned jersey No. 30 after being drafted. However, with former Chiefs second-round pick Skyy Moore no longer on the team, No. 24 was now available for the taking. Smith needed to switch his number because he shared a number with DB Chris Roland-Wallace, who kept the No. 30.

A similar situation took place with Chiefs WR Tyquan Thornton, who now wears No. 80 after wearing No. 2 during the offseason. With CB Josh Williams making the 53-man roster as well, he was able to keep his No. 2 jersey, which he has worn since 2022. Thornton was able to switch to No. 80, which WR Elijhah Badger had previously worn. Thornton wore No. 11 with the Patriots, No. 19 with the Chiefs last year, and No. 81 with Baylor.

Chiefs DT Derrick Nnadi shares heartfelt story about his old jersey number

Finally, we come to DT Derrick Nnadi, who now wears No. 92 after wearing No. 91 for his entire Chiefs career and his career at FSU as well.

Reporters asked the recent trade acquisition on Wednesday about the decision to move on from his old, faithful jersey number. That No. 91 jersey is currently worn by DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, who is on injured reserve. Did he ask for the jersey number back? The answer is no.

“I wasn’t really worried about it,” Nnadi said. “Honestly. I was like, ‘Alright.’ Because when I left, he took it. I’m like, ‘if it’s anybody, I’d rather it be him.’ Because, funny story, his father and my father were, quote, unquote, like neighbors. Like they lived in the same village back in Nigeria, so I always call him my generational neighbor.”

So, with his No. 91 jersey in good hands, Nnadi takes over a No. 92 jersey that has looked kindly upon defensive linemen in Kansas City in the past.

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