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Will Dalvin Cook’s number change help the Vikings reach the playoffs?

By Loyal Ricks Jr

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 09: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball in the second quarter of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 09, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 09: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball in the second quarter of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 09, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /
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The Minnesota Vikings have one of the most explosive running backs on their roster. Will a new jersey number give Dalvin Cook enough motivation to carry his team to the post-season?

The decision to lift jersey number restrictions for players in the NFL has added an extra level of excitement to professional football. In 2021, owners across the league passed a rule expanding eligible jersey numbers for all players who take the field.

Running backs and receivers who sported single-digit numbers during college now had the chance of reuniting with their former identity.

Chase Edmonds, Leonard Fournette, and Julio Jones quickly accepted the chance to revert to their old jersey number for the 2021 season.

As the 2022 NFL season approaches more players will decide to revert to a number that sits closer to home. Minnesota Viking running back Dalvin Cook has announced that he plans to be next in line.

Know the Meaning

Swapping his jersey number will have sentimental value for one of the league’s most dangerous rushers. When the former Florida State Seminole entered the league in 2017, he was forced to leave behind a number that helped him achieve so much thus far. During his collegiate career, Cook sported the number four, a tribute to his brothers who share his love of the game.

"That number means a lot to me. I started playing football because of my big brother, and he wore number four. I kept the number going and passed it on to my little brother.Dalvin Cook via Vikings.com"

Extra motivation from the jersey number swap could increase Dalvin’s production even more on the field. Minnesota’s fifth-year back has accumulated over 3,000 yards rushing within the last two seasons.

His three consecutive seasons of 1,000 yards rushing have helped the Vikings gain traction in the NFC north. If Minnesota’s leading rusher continues to perform at a high level, the NFC North could be up for grabs in 2022.

Finding a balance between the rushing and passing game will be the focus for Wes Phillips and the Minnesota offense. The Vikings only averaged 113.5 yards per game on the ground. The team’s 249.3 passing yards per game left Minnesota one-dimensional against dominant defenses.

Enough to make an impact?

Dalvin Cook is excited to wear the No.4 again and is ready to turn the heat up for this upcoming season.

"Mentally I’m better in that number. You’re going to see a version that you’ve never seen before. You’re going to see something specialDalvin Cook via FOX9"

Last season, Cook finished the regular season ranked fifth in rushing attempts and yards on the ground and is looking to improve. The connection between player and number could help the Vikings make a statement in the new season.

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