Rookie Corner McKinstry Changes Number

Now that the season is about to begin and 53-man rosters are (mostly) set, the opportunity to change jersey numbers is prime. New Orleans Saints rookie cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry took advantage of the moment.

McKinstry is changing his jersey number from 34 to 14 in a possible nod to Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu, who wore No. 14 as a freshman at LSU.

The second-round selection posted his new jersey on social media, as did Mathieu.

McKinstry was originally sporting the number of former defensive back Mike McKenzie and other notable Saints such as running backs Ricky Williams, Tony Galbreath and Craig Heyward. Now, he will have the opportunity to create his own legacy in the No. 14 which is one of the lesser historied numbers for the franchise. 

Running back Mark Ingram, the franchise rushing yards leader, did briefly wear No. 14. But his legacy is best entrenched in No. 22. 

McKinstry will be a key depth piece in the 2024 season with starting cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo and Alontae Taylor up ahead of him. If called into action due to injury, things will pick up quickly for the young rookie who may be one of the team’s future stars at the position.

The former Crimson Tide corner finished his time in Alabama with 93 total tackles, 23 passes defended and 2 interceptions.