Dexter Lawrence, a defensive tackle recently acquired by the Cincinnati Bengals from the New York Giants, is eager to continue wearing his familiar jersey number, 97. Having donned this number for the entirety of his seven-season career, Lawrence views it as significant, linking him to NFL legends like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. Currently, Shemar Stewart, in his second season with the Bengals, holds No. 97. Lawrence expressed his intent to discuss the number with Stewart at his introductory press conference, noting that Stewart previously wore No. 4 in college. The Bengals have a tradition of assigning defensive linemen numbers in the 90s, but with the recent trade for Lawrence, there may be room for exceptions. Lawrence's potential to wear No. 97 would evoke memories of former Bengals star Geno Atkins, emphasizing the importance of uniform numbers in the NFL.