Vikings fans call out franchise for allowing N'Keal Harry to wear Adrian Peterson's No. 28 jersey

Modified Aug 07, 2023 09:27 GMT

N'Keal Harry will bear Adrian Peterson's jersey number in Minnesota - outside images via Getty, inside image via X

N'Keal Harry is now with the Minnesota Vikings, but already he is attracting criticism for something unrelated to his on-field play.

On Sunday, the NFC North Champions announced that they had signed the wide receiver, who had been a free agent. Harry had previously been with the Chicago Bears, who acquired him in a trade with the New England Patriots.

However, the signing itself was not what attracted fans' attention. It was the jersey number assigned to him, number 28.

It is the same number worn by former MVP-winning running back Adrian Peterson, who is considered one of the greatest running backs in franchise history (despite a 2014 indictment for child abuse). Fans remembered this on X:

According to the NFL rules, offensive playmakers (whether they be running backs, wide receivers, or tight ends) may wear anything between 0 and 49 and 80 and 89 (unless the number has been retired), so the Vikings did not err by giving a wide receiver like Harry a running back's number.

However, fans may be thinking that 28, like 84 (Randy Moss) is too storied to just be reassigned to someone else, even though neither number has been retired as of this writing.

N'Keal Harry career stats: Could he help return Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings to the Super Bowl?

After losing Adam Thielen to the Carolina Panthers, the Minnesota Vikings needed another wideout to complement breakout star Justin Jefferson. This is where they hope N'Keal Harry will finally break out.

In three years in Foxboro, Harry amassed just 57 receptions, four touchdowns and 598 yards. While he did make the playoffs twice, the first appearance also coincided with what would eventually be superstar quarterback Tom Brady's last season there.

After two more seasons, he soon became reportedly dissatisfied with the team's situation and requested a trade. In 2022, the Patriots granted his request, sending him to the Chicago Bears.

There, Harry had career-lows of just 7 catches on 116 yards, though he did attain career-highs in longest reception (49 yards) and receiving average (16.6 yards). The Vikings hope that this minor breakthrough will help to solidify himself in an air game that already has Jefferson, rookie Jordan Addison, and tight end T.J. Hockenson.

About the author

Andre Castillo is an NFL journalist at Sportskeeda who holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Master’s degree in Journalism. He has over seven years of working experience and has also covered MMA with FanSided, wrestling with The Sportster, and automobiles with Hot Cars.

Andre follows the New York Jets and the Washington Commanders, mostly because he likes their colors. His favorite position is tight end, and players like Mark Andrews and Travis Kelce have always drawn Andre's attention when watching a game. Bill Belichick is his favorite coach, and his all-time favorite Super Bowl is the XLII edition, when the underdog New York Giants upset the then-undefeated New England Patriots.

If he can change one moment in NFL history, it will be from the NFC Championship Game in January 2019. In that game, a highly controversial no-call cost the Saints what would have been Drew Brees' second Super Bowl visit, where he would have faced Tom Brady and the Patriots.

Andre is always on the lookout for fresh perspectives in a story and ensures complete factual accuracy by double-checking all information before using it in his articles. He has an innate understanding of how to present information in an efficient and compelling way.

Outside the writing realm, Andre is a professional licensed teacher. His hobbies include watching UFC, MotoGP, playing the piano, and travelling.

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