Hester Keeps His Number

While Bears receiver Devin Hester gets to keep his No. 23 jersey, Earl Bennett is making a change for the 2009 season.

There was some speculation last season that Hester would have to change his number, per NFL rules, because he evolved into a full-time receiver. In case you missed the story on chicagobears.com, the league ruled this off-season that Hester doesn't have to change because No. 23 is an eligible number that will allow him to play the position without reporting to the referee. No doubt jersey sales entered into the equation somewhere. The NFL requires wide receivers to wear numbers 10-19 and 80-89.

(chicagotribune.com)