Broncos Rookie Drops Old Number—What’s Behind the Surprising Switch?

When a rookie changes his jersey number before the season even kicks off, it’s bound to stir some buzz — and Denver Broncos’ newcomer RJ Harvey is doing just that, switching to No. 12 in a move that’s got me wondering: can a simple number swap really spark a breakout year? After the Broncos exceeded expectations in 2024 with a solid 10-7 record and a playoff berth, albeit a brief one, hopes are sky-high as they eye the crown in the AFC West. With fresh faces like Harvey stepping into key roles and rallying behind rookie QB Bo Nix, this team feels like it’s on the cusp of something special. So yeah, whether it’s superstition, confidence, or just a fresh start, Harvey’s number change might just be the quirky little twist Denver needs to shake up the status quo. Let’s dig into what this means… and maybe brace for some jersey collectors’ sighs.

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 16: RJ Harvey #37 of the Denver Broncos celebrates his run for a touchdown with Troy Franklin #11 in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL Preseason 2025 game at Empower Field at Mile High on August 16, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. — (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

The Denver Broncos performed much better in 2024 than people expected of them heading into the season, finishing the year with a 10-7 record and making it into the playoffs.

They weren’t able to make much noise when they got there, as they were instantly eliminated in the Wild Card game by the Buffalo Bills.

Regardless, making it to the playoffs was a step in the right direction for this organization, and the offense rallied around rookie QB Bo Nix, giving him plenty of support and confidence in himself.

With this in mind, the Broncos have been surrounded by lots of hype and excitement leading up to the 2025 season, as expectations have risen for them moving forward.

Many believe they can compete for the AFC West title, a division that has been dominated by the Kansas City Chiefs for nearly a decade.

One of the players who is said to make a major impact on the Broncos’ success is rookie running back RJ Harvey.

Harvey has an opportunity to be the lead back in Denver, and it looks like he’s going to don a new number, which could boost his confidence moving forward.

Broncos reporter Zac Stevens noted on X that Harvey is changing his number to 12, something that several rookies have done throughout the offseason.

Broncos number change

RJ Harvey is now wearing No. 12
@RyanGreeneDNVR pic.twitter.com/BXpDD0TX8t

— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) September 4, 2025

This could be upsetting for fans, especially those who bought a jersey with his old number on it, but that’s the risk fans take when purchasing any jersey.

Numbers mean a lot to athletes, especially NFL athletes, and if Harvey believes he’ll perform better with a new number, it will all be worth it for this team.

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