Jason McCourty had no problem getting the Patriots jersey number he wanted
Patriots defensive back Duron Harmon has worn No. 30 for years, but newly acquired Jason McCourty said it was an easy sell getting his fellow Rutgers alumnus to switch numbers.
“He actually was on the verge of wanting to switch numbers, as well,’’ McCourty said Tuesday. “So, just in our Rutgers way, we were able to work it all out and everybody walks away happy.’’
Harmon will wear No. 21, previously worn by Malcolm Butler. McCourty will wear No. 30 (his twin brother, Devin McCourty, wears No. 32).
A few other Patriots, new and old, made number switches. The newcomers: Jeremy Hill will wear No. 33, Trent Brown No. 67, Danny Shelton No. 71, Adrian Clayborn No. 94, Jordan Matthews No. 80, Cordarrelle Patterson No. 84, Troy Niklas No. 86, and Luke Bowanko No. 72.
Along with Harmon, another former Rutgers player who was already on the team, Kenny Britt, switched numbers. Britt wore No. 85 last year but is now No. 88.
Patriots rookies will get their jersey numbers later in the week once they arrive in New England. Some players may change their numbers again when the season starts.
