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Spann won't tackle Taylor's pursuit of No. 28

Email|Link|Comments (10) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff March 24, 2009 10:25 AM

Jersey numbers can become a big story, as evidenced by the hoopla surrounding Terrell Owens and his No. 81 in Buffalo. Owens ended up getting his 81, as second-year Bills receiver James Hardy gave it up for him.

But don't expect any jersey-number fireworks when it comes to new Patriots running back Fred Taylor and No. 28.

If Taylor wants 28, the number he wore with the Jaguars, the player currently donning it is willing to give it up. Soft-spoken defensive back Antwain Spann might try to bring Taylor down on the practice field, but he's not about to stand in his way if he wants 28.

“If he approached me, I’d do the right thing and respect him. He’s been in the league a long time, that's a future Hall of Famer,” Spann said. “For me, I’m not established yet. It’s not about a number for me. It’s about trying to earn a roster spot.”

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10 comments so far...

Keep up the great work Mike. Awesome to have you back.

Posted by Brent from MN March 24, 09 10:39 AM

I think posting the link to Owen's non-story tantrum about his jersey number just builds up the hits/clicks for it, and leads to more meaningless Owens reporting in the future.

Posted by Ed March 24, 09 11:02 AM

Antwain Spann is a good guy...he played well in pre-season last year, I reckon he can make the 53-man roster if he keeps working hard.

Posted by Andy March 24, 09 11:43 AM

smart article just shows how the Patriot players "get it" ! (for the most part)...and all football fans knew about the owens things, so to be upset a link was put in the article??....the key mark is owens saying it wasnt up to me, its up to the gm (referring to his #), was just owens selling out management. That would never happen here.

Posted by Michael March 24, 09 11:48 AM

Ed,
Because you think so, I'm going to click it.

Posted by RJ March 24, 09 11:58 AM

I've had quite about enough of your anti-Owensness... ALL Owens stories SHOULD be frontline news and the clicking is waranted. I am looking forward to hearing LOTS more leading up to game #1 on Monday Night.

I have millions of reasons to read Owens material.

Posted by farn March 24, 09 12:13 PM

Wow, I'm impressed! Very mature Spann!

Posted by Michael Snickerpippins March 24, 09 03:21 PM

This is classic "staying on message".

Posted by Justin-R March 24, 09 08:07 PM

Freddy Taylor is the man as is Spann for recognizing.

Posted by Fred's Momma March 25, 09 05:21 PM

u a man with class spann good luck 2 u

Posted by chuck March 31, 09 09:23 AM

DO NOT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE!

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Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.

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