:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/33272471/20131229_mse_se2_225.0.jpg)
UPDATE: It sounds like Austin got Kosar's blessing to use No. 19:
New #Browns receiver Miles Austin will wear No. 19. Austin had a good conversation w/ Bernie Kosar, who obviously gave his blessing.
— Tom Reed (@treed1919) May 20, 2014
----
When the Cleveland Browns signed WR Miles Austin last week, it seemed a little unusual that he was the only new player to not be assigned a jersey number, as evidenced by the team's website:
After reading more into the situation, it makes sense as to why Austin didn't have a number at first: he was requesting permission from legendary Browns QB Bernie Kosar to use his No. 19.
New @Browns #MilesAustin asked #Bernie if he could wear #19 & said "he would wear it w/ pride & utmost respect!" CLASS begets CLASS!
— Mark Munch Bishop (@MunchCleveland) May 19, 2014
Miles Austin coming to Cleve&we texted this mini camp wkend!His Respect& Appreciation of The Game IS AWESOME!
— Bernie Kosar (@BernieKosarQB) May 20, 2014
It is unclear yet as to whether or not Kosar will give Austin his blessing to use No. 19, the number he used as a member of the Dallas Cowboys. I tried to go back to see if any Browns have worn No. 19 since 1999, and I came up with at least one result: WR Frisman Jackson. Jackson wore No. 88 for most of his tenure with Cleveland from 2002-2005, but for some reason, he changed to No. 19 in 2004. If that's the case, the honor of having to request the jersey seems to be a bit moot, doesn't it?
What do you think, Browns fans? Would you be fine with Austin wearing No. 19, or should he pick something else? My vote would be to let him use another number this offseason, and if he earns a spot on the 53-man roster, allow him to wear No. 19.