Steve Smith to keep same number, but change name with Baltimore Ravens
By Bryan Rose
When you see #89 on the field for the Baltimore Ravens this season, it’ll be wide receiver Steve Smith – even though the nameplate will read slightly different.
Expecting a child in the coming months, Steve Smith has filed paperwork with the NFL that will now allow him to put ‘Smith Sr.’ on the back of his #89 jersey.
"In addition to Smith going with No. 89, he also said Friday after agreeing to a deal that he’s a fan of the Ravens jerseys.“I love the uniforms,” Smith said. “I look forward to playing well and dressing up in those nice colors. And I look forward to playing with passion and giving it everything that I have.”Smith has specified that he wants to go by Steve Smith, Sr. next season. He and his wife are expecting a son this summer, who Smith plans to name Steve Smith Jr. He has filed paperwork to the NFL to have his nameplate read “Smith Sr.” next season."
The last member of the Baltimore Ravens to wear #89 was wide receiver Mark Clayton, though he’s no longer on the roster so Smith won’t have to shell out any pocket change to stay with his well known digit.
The Ravens team shop is already selling Smith jerseys, though they don’t have a number attached online (at least for the time being).