Nick Wagoner, ESPN Staff Writer 6y

With 49ers, Richard Sherman keeps No. 25 courtesy of Jimmie Ward

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- As though cornerback Richard Sherman needed anything else to make him feel right at home with the San Francisco 49ers, one of his teammates has already gone out of his way to ensure that Sherman will even have his familiar No. 25 this season.

Speaking to KNBR radio in San Francisco on Tuesday, Sherman let it be known that he'd already talked to free safety Jimmie Ward about the use of No. 25. Ward has worn that number since the Niners used a first-round pick on him in 2014. Perhaps in deference to Sherman's NFL seniority (he's worn the number with the Seattle Seahawks since entering the league in 2011), Ward told his new teammate that he will give up the digits so Sherman can continue to wear them.

"We had a good conversation and he's going to give me my number, which is cool and a testament to him," Sherman said. "He's a great guy. And he told me the story of why he wore the number and it actually meant a lot to him. So I appreciated him being willing to give me a chance at it."

On Wednesday afternoon, the 49ers announced that Ward would be switching to No. 20 so Sherman can retain No. 25. According to a story on the team website, Ward only asked for a signed jersey from Sherman in exchange for giving up the number.

“I respect anyone who’s an All-Pro corner and has made the Pro Bowl multiple times,” Ward told 49ers.com

 

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