New 49ers running back Tim Hightower was issued his first number with the 49ers.
And he seemed to disagree with the new equipment staff’s decision to outfit him with No. 21.
That jersey number was not assigned the past two seasons – since Frank Gore left the 49ers as a free agent to sign with the Indianapolis Colts. Gore is the 49ers’ all-time leading rusher and ranks eighth in NFL history.
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Among the hashtags that Hightower posted on Instagram along with his locker name plate “Hightower 21,” were “#numbertheygaveme,” “#willbechanged” and #numbershouldberetired.”
It did not take long for Hightower to be issued a new number. Just hours later, Hightower was assigned No. 26, which was formerly worn by cornerback Tramaine Brock. The 49ers on Friday released Brock just hours after news of his arrest after a domestic violence incident.
Hightower has played six NFL seasons. He wore No. 34 with the Arizona Cardinals at the beginning of his career and the past two seasons with the New Orleans Saints. In 2011, he wore No. 25 with Washington.
Legendary 49ers running back Joe “The Jet” Perry’s No. 34 with the 49ers is retired, and Jimmie Ward is No. 25.
