What do the small numbers on back of helmets mean?

NOT the player's number, they're on I'm pretty sure everyone's helmet, the number's in a little circle on the back of it. I know it isn't the amount of tackles going into each game because it's on offensive players helmets too. And also, why can't defensive players have microphones in their helmets to talk to the coach?What do the small numbers on back of helmets mean?
The numbers are in memory of... ex Sean Taylor, and Bill Willis.





The reason defensive players can't is the owners voted against it last year when the competition committee recommended it. I bet this year it passes 31 to 1 the only vote against will be New England.What do the small numbers on back of helmets mean?
Their IQ.
The numbers are as a tribute to a player who impacted a team or even the whole league (as was done for Sean Taylor). Teams can pay tribute to a player like this with prior league approval and all players on the team need to have the same sticker.


As for your question about the defensive headsets I just heard that the NFL competition committee just approved them unanimously (8-0), and that the owners are going to vote on it also and the measure is expected to pass.
It is an indicator for the player chasing the other player. If the number continues to get smaller, it means you are probably a white LB that ain't gonna catch the brother.








No really, it is usually used to indicates the teams feelings toward a falling comrade, coach or front office person.





I think the league is concerned that the defensive coaches will steal a signal from the offense and then tell their team on the field what to expect.
I think also part of the microphone issue is the contact issue. Usually, the person making the defensive calls is the Middle Linebacker. They are usually the biggest, meanest SoB in the middle of the field, and you got to be ready to hit HARD.





QB's rarely get hit hard, and if they do...penalty. The equipment in their helmet can probably hold up alot better than that of a Linebacker.
Number of times they have ';scored'; with a woman
When someone associated with the team dies, they wear their number or initials ( GSH for George Halas) in memory for a year or so. Sometimes other players from another team honor a friend from another team. It's respect for someone close who passed away.
It's 21, in memory of Sean Taylor
the amount of money they have ';in millions';
example: 21 is Sean Taylor in his memory
how many times they cheated on their wives
It's the number of chicks they banged since playing football.
Some wear it to remember which helmet is thiers....mostly kickers...since they aren't really players anyway.