Jalen Ramsey, the freshly acquired cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is making his mark in black and gold by announcing the jersey number he’ll sport in his new home. After a trade from the Miami Dolphins earlier this week, Ramsey took to social media, unveiling his new Steelers jersey, which has a familiar figure gracing the back: No. 5.
This number was previously held by D’Shawn Jamison, a cornerback who spent last season on Pittsburgh’s practice squad but didn’t see any game action. For Ramsey, this number isn’t just a random choice—it’s a continuation of a legacy he’s built over the last four seasons, as he donned No. 5 during his time with the Dolphins. Before that, he wore No. 20 while with the Jacksonville Jaguars and in his early years with the Los Angeles Rams.
Interestingly, if he had come into the league before the NFL relaxed its jersey number regulations, Ramsey might have switched to single-digit numbers sooner. At Florida State, he embraced the single-digit style with the number 8, showcasing his playmaking ability long before he hit the professional ranks.
While there’s some chatter about whether Ramsey’s peak performance days are behind him, make no mistake—he’s still one of the standout defensive backs of his era. With a resume that includes seven Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro nods, he has the credentials that might one day earn him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Looking ahead, with Minkah Fitzpatrick also transitioning teams, the Steelers’ defense could see Ramsey take on additional responsibilities. There’s a fair chance we might see him lining up at safety, further expanding his influence on the field.
As he enters this new chapter with the Steelers, Ramsey is set to make $26.6 million next season, with the Dolphins covering the remaining $7 million owed on his contract. This transition offers exciting possibilities for Ramsey, as he aims to make an immediate impact in Pittsburgh, blending his experience and talent with the Steelers’ storied defense.