Chargers' Marquez Valdes-Scantling Explains Taking Keenan Allen's No. 13
New receiver says limited jersey availability led to inheriting the former star's number.
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling has been assigned the No. 13 jersey previously worn by Keenan Allen, a move that Valdes-Scantling stated was a matter of necessity due to limited available numbers.
In an exclusive interview with the California Post, Valdes-Scantling explained that upon joining the team, many jersey numbers were already taken or retired. "There was just no availability," he said. "I think every number was taken or retired."
The numbers 0-10 are currently occupied by players on the Chargers' roster. Among the numbers 10-19 and 80-89, excluding those retired by the franchise, only Nos. 13, 17, and 85 were available.
Valdes-Scantling, who was signed by the Chargers this week amid an injury to Ladd McConkey, expressed admiration for Allen. "He is the best receiver that has ever come through this organization and obviously everything that he has done, that number will be retired at some point," Valdes-Scantling said. Allen, a third-round pick by the Chargers in 2013, played 12 seasons for the team, recording 985 receptions for 11,307 yards and 63 touchdowns. He now plays for the Indianapolis Colts.
Valdes-Scantling, an experienced player, aims to provide leadership for his new team. "I’m an experienced player that can help provide some leadership to this room," he stated.