In the world of New England football, the quest for a standout wide receiver has been a long-standing saga. Since Tom Brady's departure in 2020, fans have eagerly awaited a game-changer to support quarterbacks like Cam Newton, Mac Jones, and now Drake Maye. Enter Romeo Doubs, who, while perhaps not the elite receiver fans envisioned, certainly elevates the current roster.
Doubs recently signed a four-year deal with the Patriots, and the fanbase has generally embraced him. However, his choice of jersey number-No. 87-has stirred quite the conversation. This number, famously worn by Rob Gronkowski during his iconic nine-season run, carries significant weight in New England.
Although the Patriots haven't retired No. 87, it's clear that many fans hold it in a special regard, almost as if it were sacred. Doubs’ decision to wear it has sparked mixed reactions, echoing past instances where players faced backlash for similar choices.
Mitchell Wilcox, a former tight end for the team, encountered a similar situation. The online negativity he faced for wearing No. 87 was intense enough that he addressed it on social media. Yet, tight end Jack Westover wore the same number in 2025 without much fanfare, possibly because he wasn’t a prominent figure on the field.
Ultimately, Doubs has every right to don the number he prefers. The choice to wear a number linked to a legend is not an act of disrespect.
After all, Gronk himself chose a number associated with Corey Dillon back in 2010. As Doubs steps into this new chapter with the Patriots, it’s crucial to remember that a jersey number, while symbolic, shouldn’t overshadow the potential contributions he can make on the field.