Jason Verrett’s journey to a jersey number with the 49ers was a tumultuous one, but it resulted in him landing a jersey number the team already retired. He’ll wear No. 34 according to the 49ers’ website.
San Francisco originally retired Joe Perry’s No. 34 in 1971 as part of a three-player tandem to have their jerseys immortalized. Now it’s making a return on Verrett’s uniform.
There were rumors the newly-signed cornerback wanted Frank Gore’s No. 21, which hasn’t been worn since the running back exited San Francisco following the 2014 season, but those rumors were quickly rebuffed. Then he told 95.7 The Game in San Francisco he wanted No. 22, which belongs to third-year running back Matt Breida.
It’s unknown how Verrett landed on No. 34, or whether he even approached Breida bout his number, or why the 49ers decided to bring it out of retirement after 38 years.
With Verrett choosing a number, defensive end Dee Ford remains the only new 49er without a jersey number. The No. 55 he wore in Kansas City belongs to Pita Taumoepenu. The No. 95 he wore through his first two years in college is Kentavius Street’s. He finished college in a No. 30 jersey, which he won’t be allowed to wear as an NFL defensive lineman.
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