Montreal Alouettes’ quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. is changing his number for the 2022 season, tossing aside his old No. 8 in favour of something more familiar.
“I’m going back to number 3!” the quarterback said in a statement Friday. “The number has always meant a lot to me. I’m born on January 3, 1993. I wore this number throughout my career until my second tour of duty with the Alouettes. I wanted my old jersey number back!”
Adams Jr. will have No. 3 on his back when the 2022 season kicks off. That’s the number he wore throughout his CFL and college careers, but fans who purchased a jersey featuring their franchise quarterback’s old No. 8 needn’t worry.
The Alouettes are giving fans the opportunity to exchange their outdated Adams Jr. jerseys for his new No. 3, free of charge. The exchange will take place at an upcoming practice, with the date still to be determined.
“I want to thank TELUS, because they’re the ones that made this possible,” Adams Jr. said. “For all those who purchased a jersey with the number 8 on it, you don’t have to worry. I’ll let you know when you can exchange your old jersey for a new one, and I’ll be able to sign it for you!”
The planned exchange will benefit charity, as TELUS promises to make a donation to a Quebec children’s organization for every No. 8 jersey returned. The discarded jerseys will also be used to benefit the charity in question, with the name of the chosen organization to be announced in the near future.