When Minkah Fitzpatrick was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019, he chose to wear the No. 39 in his 14 games with the team. In a post on social media on Monday, Fitzpatrick confirmed that he would be sticking with No. 39 in 2020.
“I promised myself if it treats me well, if I make the Pro Bowl or All-Pro or whatever it may be, I am going to keep it,” Fitzpatrick said via his official Twitter account. “I did those things so I am going to stick with it. I’m keeping No. 39.”
Early in the 2019 season, the Steelers sent a first-round pick to the Miami Dolphins to acquire Fitzpatrick. Upon his arrival in Pittsburgh, the former first-round pick immediately made his presence felt on the Steelers defense.
Before landing with the Steelers, Fitzpatrick wore No. 29 with the Dolphins in his first season. Then, when he was sent to Pittsburgh, Kameron Kelly was already wearing the No. 29 jersey for the Steelers. To those that don't know, NFL rules prohibit a player from switching numbers during the season.
Nevertheless, Fitzpatrick chose to wear No. 39 instead and proceeded to thrive in Pittsburgh's defense. Over the course of his 14 games with the Steelers, Fitzpatrick notched five interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and two defensive touchdowns. If the ball was in the air or on the ground, it is likely that Fitzpatrick was in the vicinity of it.
Due to his stellar campaign with the Steelers, Fitzpatrick was named to a Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro in just his second season in the NFL. Now, with Fitzpatrick making it official, jersey sales for the playmaking safety are likely going to skyrocket this offseason.
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