Saints RB Travis Etienne Jr. Chooses New Jersey Number

The former Clemson star will wear No. 3 in New Orleans after wearing No. 1 with the Jaguars.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:22pm

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Travis Etienne Jr., the newly-signed running back for the New Orleans Saints, has chosen to wear a brand-new jersey number - No. 3 - after previously wearing No. 9 in college and No. 1 in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Etienne explained that he wants to "create my own legacy" with the Saints and leave a lasting impact on the team and city.

Why it matters

Etienne's jersey number change signals his desire to establish a new identity and chapter in his career with the Saints. As the team looks to rebuild, Etienne's leadership and maturity will be crucial in guiding the locker room through the ups and downs ahead.

The details

Etienne wore No. 9 during his college career at Clemson and switched to No. 1 after being drafted by the Jaguars. However, he felt it was time for a change and has chosen No. 3 for his tenure with the Saints. Etienne explained that he wants to "create my own legacy" and "leave a legacy" in New Orleans, rather than carrying over his previous numbers.

  • Etienne signed with the Saints as a free agent in March 2026.

The players

Travis Etienne Jr.

A 27-year-old running back who was recently signed by the New Orleans Saints after spending his first few NFL seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Drew Brees

The legendary former quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, whose jersey number (No. 9) Etienne previously wore in college but will not be taking with the Saints.

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What they’re saying

“I want to switch the jersey. I feel like, one, was a cool number but I feel like I'm a different person, different player. I feel like I've matured. I've kind of grown. I've grown into a man. I've become my own. I got my own son now. And life has changed. And I feel like that, that chapter has passed. And I feel like I want a number here that I can, you know, create my own like and leave a legacy. And hopefully be retired up there one day. I mean, that's the goal to leave a legacy. And I feel like that's why I'm here and that's why they brought me here.”

— Travis Etienne Jr., Running Back

What’s next

Etienne will wear the No. 3 jersey for the Saints in the upcoming 2026 NFL season as he looks to establish himself as a key part of the team's rebuilding efforts.

The takeaway

Etienne's jersey number change symbolizes his desire to forge a new identity and leave a lasting legacy with the Saints. As the team looks to rebuild, Etienne's leadership and maturity will be crucial in guiding the locker room through the challenges ahead.