Ex-Dolphins QB’s Serious Career Warning for Zach Wilson After Miami Announce New No. for Tua Tagovailoa’s Backup

After 3 years in the league, Zach Wilson has still not found his team. In March this year, the Dolphins signed him on a one-year $6 million deal. “I still believe I can be a starter in this league whenever that opportunity comes,” he said after signing up as the backup QB for Tua Tagovailoa. He knew the starter choice for the Phins. In a bid to revive his career, the player took an enormous gamble and changed his jersey number.

The league allowed the 32 franchises to select number zero as jersey numbers. The Phins changed the jersey number of 18 players, which also included the backup. But he got a number that doesn’t really show his true value, 0. He earlier wore jersey number 2 with the Jets and 4 with the Broncos. Former Dolphins QB Ryan Fitzpatrick shed some light on the signal caller’s choice.

He criticized Zach Wilson’s choice of taking up jersey number 0 and wrote, “Hey Zach, there’s always time to change your mind…I know you’re friends with Braxton Berrios and I know it worked for Orlando Woolridge, but if you’re trying to build back your career and be taken serious (which I’m sure you are) this won’t help…”

The obvious references showed his mindset. You cannot win the game of perceptions with jersey number 0. WR Braxton Berrios wore jersey number 0 during his stint with the Dolphins. And continued this habit at the Texans. NBA Star Orlando Woolridge wore jersey number 0 permanently. Michael Jordan’s teammate had a long 14-year NBA career. Zach Wilson doesn’t have the same options. Also, the jersey numbers will not guarantee his success.

However, there’s another angle. Any team will only be interested in the Dolphins’ backup if he really picks them up in the moments of fall. Can he do it? Will he get the chance to do it? These things will be decided as the season moves ahead.

Zach Wilson is doing a Mariota with jersey number

By adopting the jersey number 0, Zach Wilson just became the second quarterback in NFL history to wear the jersey number 0. Last year, QB Marcus Mariota wore jersey number 0 for the Commanders. It was his year 10 in the league.

While talking about his mindset about the move, Mariota said, “Zero is something for me that’s just a reminder. I’m in year 10. People don’t think I can do it anymore. It’s just kind of a reminder every day of ‘nobody really gives you a chance.’ And it’s cool to be able to remind yourself.” But Zach Wilson needs more than just a jersey number.

In 3 years with the Jets, the quarterback had a poor 12-21 win-loss record in 33 games (34 games overall) with 566 of 993 passes (57% completion rate) in 6,293 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions. These numbers don’t really inspire the team. So, the player needs to brace himself for the challenges ahead.