Mike Evans has worn No. 13 his entire NFL and college career, but everyone knew that was probably going to have to change once he joined the San Francisco 49ers. No. 13 is already quarterback Brock Purdy’s number, and the odds Evans could convince Purdy to change his number were slim.
So, what number will he wear? Evans told 49ers star linebacker Fred Warner on the “Real Ones: The League” podcast this week that he’ll wear No. 5 for the 49ers in 2026, a number he hadn’t worn since high school. Evans added that No. 5 was his Little League and middle school number.
Currently, fellow receiver Demarcus Robinson wears No. 5. So if Evans is truly taking on the mantle, it’ll be interesting to see what, if anything, Evans had to do to secure that number from his new teammate.
Evans will be the 10th player in team history to don the No. 5 jersey. The others were Robinson, kicker Jeff Brockhaus, quarterback David Carr, quarterback Joshua Dobbs, quarterback Jeff Garcia, outside linebacker Randy Gregory, quarterback Trey Lance, kicker Chase McLaughlin and punter Bradley Pinion.
Evans is poised to be the 49ers’ clear No. 1 receiver in 2026. Besides his injury-plagued 2025 season, Evans has posted at least 1,000 receiving yards in his first 12 seasons. He’ll look to get back to that form this year in Kyle Shanahan’s offense with Purdy throwing him the ball.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Mike Evans reveals which number he’ll wear for 49ers
Reporting by Oliver G., Niners Wire / Niners Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
