Sam Darnold is going to wear No. 14 with the New York Jets. Maybe that is to be expected.

But unlike many players, I can guarantee Darnold did not demand to wear No. 14.

When he arrived at USC, he did not make any demands for a jersey number, which is different than many recruits. Just think of all the numbers USC has worn by two players because everyone wants specific numbers, especially single digits.

Darnold said he thought about taking No. 15, the number his grandfather, Dick Hammer, wore for the USC basketball team. He also thought about No. 18, which was his number at San Clemente. But he ultimately just took No. 14 because it was issued to him and he did not really care about it.

The irony is his No. 14 has now become iconic, which is no doubt why the Jets want him to keep it.