Indianapolis Colts fans can sleep comfortably at night knowing who will be quarterbacking the team next season after they acquired Carson Wentz from the Eagles last week in a blockbuster deal most analysts believe will prove to be a steal if he regains his confidence.
That’s obviously a big if, but we’d like to think the Colts have all the requisite pieces in place for him to do just that. It also might take some time for Wentz to develop chemistry with his new teammates, but the early indicators suggest that won’t be a problem, as he’s already communicated with several of them via video call and text thus far.
However, one of those conversations definitely oozed quite a bit of awkwardness. Why do we say that? Because wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. came out publicly to say he isn’t giving up his No. 11 jersey. For those wondering, Wentz has donned that number dating back to his college days at North Dakota State and in each of his five seasons with the Eagles
Before Colts fans panic about potential locker room drama forming before their very eyes, Pittman confirmed that he spoke with Wentz, who apparently told the 2020 second-round pick that he isn’t going to fight with him about swapping numbers.
.@Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr on @gmfb @nflnetwork said he exchanged texts w/ Carson Wentz about changing his uniform number 11 and Pittman told him he will stick with wearing number 11.
— Will Selva (@WillSelvaTV) February 22, 2021
Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. isn’t giving up his No. 11 jersey to Carson Wentz
"“Yeah, so I spoke to [Carson], and he was just seeing how locked in I was to No. 11, and I told him I was locked in—and he was like, ‘That’s cool, bro, because I’m probably gonna switch anyway,’” Pittman told NFL Network on Monday.“He asked me very respectfully and I just appreciated him for that. I think he’s a great dude, because lots of guys with his status, they would come in and demand and stuff like that.”"
Well, that certainly clears things up. While it would’ve been cool of Pittman to help make Wentz comfortable in his new organization by granting him permission to take No. 11, he’s been with the Colts longer and has simply earned the right to decline the five-year pro’s request.
For fans concerned that this exchange could potentially get their relationship off on the wrong foot, don’t be, because Pittman eventually revealed that he and Wentz have already started making plans to start training together What’s better than that? The fact that Pittman believes Wentz will be the Colts quarterback for the next several years.
Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. not giving No. 11 jersey to Carson Wentzhttps://t.co/HvzU4Te0mn pic.twitter.com/ZvfWWrS1zp
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) February 22, 2021
Pittman honestly deserves credit for turning down Wentz. After all, in normal circumstances the younger teammate would give way to the more experienced player (especially if he’s a quarterback) when it comes to swapping jersey numbers. Look no further than Tom Brady taking the No. 12 from Buccaneers receiver Chris Godwin this year.
Nonetheless, fans in Indianapolis shouldn’t read too much into this. Wentz is the new guy in the locker room and nothing — not even something as insignificant as a jersey number — is going to come easy. We would assert that changing numbers would be best for the former No. 2 overall pick anyway, but this exchange with Pittman proves he’s going to have to earn his stripes.
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