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Saints Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry to Switch Jersey Number to No. 4
Saints Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry to Switch Jersey Number to No. 4 originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
A new look for the New Orleans Saints second-year cornerback.
Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry is switching from jersey No. 14 to No. 4, per the team's website.
Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry (14) reacts after breaking up a pass intended for New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Brad Penner-Imagn Images
McKinstry first wore No. 34 during the offseason of his rookie year before switching to No. 14. It wasn't until veteran quarterback Derek Carr's retirement would officially go through that the second-year cornerback could make the switch to No. 4. McKinstry wore No. 1 throughout his high school and college career.
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The move was highly anticipated by fans as many viewed the No. 4 as a better fit for the second-year defensive back. The reactions to the switch have been overwhelmingly positive with one fan saying "You best believe that's Kool-Aid #4 getting bought and FRAMED"
The No. 4 is most often worn by kickers, punters, and quarterbacks but a recent rule change on jersey numbers in 2021 allowed skill position players to wear single-digit numbers. This rule change has seen a significant number of players opting to wear lower-digit numbers. Similarly to McKinstry, Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor made a switch from No. 27 to No. 1 during his sophomore season.
There's plenty of pressure on McKinstry to take a significant jump as he enters his second season. New Orleans is hoping the former Alabama cornerback can cement himself as the team's starting outside corner. McKinstry had a positive showing during his rookie campaign, but plenty of growing pains appeared on tape. With the number switch, McKinstry's sophomore campaign could be seen as a clean slate with a new look.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
