If you’ve been watching the NFL recently, you might have noticed something a bit different about the backfield. JK Dobbins is currently wearing number 27 for the Denver Broncos. For a lot of fans, especially those who followed him through his dominant years at Ohio State or his high-flying (if injury-riddled) stint in Baltimore, the digit on his chest might feel a little jarring. We’re used to seeing him in different threads. Honestly, it’s been a whirlwind couple of years for Dobbins. Between switching teams and battling some of the most frustrating injury luck in professional sports, his jersey number has actually become a bit of a touchstone for his career arc.
Basically, the "27" isn't just a random assignment from a back-end equipment manager. It’s a number with a lot of personal weight and a bit of a controversial history in certain locker rooms.
The Denver Broncos Era and the Current Number 27
As we sit here in early 2026, Dobbins is officially a member of the Denver Broncos. He signed a one-year deal with the team back in June 2025, a move that many saw as a "prove it" contract after he hit free agency following a solid year with the Los Angeles Chargers.
In Denver, he reclaimed number 27.
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It started off hot. He was arguably the cornerstone of Sean Payton's offense for the first half of the 2025 season. He even broke a 38-game drought for the Broncos by becoming their first 100-yard rusher since 2022 when he gashed the Bengals in Week 4. For a few weeks there, it looked like the old JK was back. He was explosive. He was reading lanes. He looked like the guy who was supposed to take over the league half a decade ago.
Then, the "injury bug" bit again.
During a Week 10 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Dobbins suffered a significant Lisfranc injury. It happened on a hip-drop tackle by Tyree Wilson. If you've ever dealt with a Lisfranc injury, you know they are brutal. It required surgery, and he was placed on season-ending injured reserve on November 15, 2025.
Even though he's currently sidelined, he remains #27 on the roster. There's a lot of talk right now about whether Denver will bring him back for the 2026 season or if they'll pivot to a more "reliable" option like Travis Etienne in free agency. But for now, if you buy a Dobbins jersey, it’s got that 27 on it.
Why Number 27 Matters to JK Dobbins
You might wonder why he keeps gravitating back to 27. When he first landed with the Baltimore Ravens, there was a lot of chatter because that was the number formerly worn by Ray Rice. In Baltimore, that carries some baggage.
But Dobbins didn't pick it because of Rice. He picked it because of his dad.
His father, Lawrence Dobbins, wore number 27 back when he was a standout athlete. Lawrence passed away when JK was only 15 years old. For Dobbins, wearing 27 is a way to keep his father’s memory alive on the field. He’s been quoted saying he wore it in pee-wee football and wanted to continue that legacy in the pros.
"I always wore it in pee-wee football. It was my dad's number. My dad passed when I was 15. So the reason why I wear No. 27 is to honor my father." — J.K. Dobbins
It’s a heavy reason. It makes the number more than just a piece of branding.
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The Jersey Number History: From 2 to 27
It’s easy to forget that Dobbins wasn't always a "27." If you go back to his college days, he was the guy in the number 2 jersey for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
He was legendary in that number.
He put up over 5,000 total yards and 40 touchdowns at Ohio State. When he left for the NFL in 2020, he couldn’t keep the number 2 because, at the time, the NFL had much stricter rules about which positions could wear single-digit numbers. Running backs were mostly restricted to the 20s, 30s, and 40s.
- Ohio State (2017-2019): Wore #2. Became an All-American.
- Baltimore Ravens (2020-2023): Switched to #27 to honor his father.
- Los Angeles Chargers (2024): Continued wearing #27 under Jim Harbaugh.
- Denver Broncos (2025-Present): Still #27.
When he moved to the Chargers in 2024, there was a brief moment of jersey drama. A rookie defensive back, R.J. Mickens, was originally assigned 27. The Chargers eventually shifted Mickens to 41 so Dobbins could keep his signature pro number.
What’s Next for Dobbins and His Number?
The big question now isn't just what number he’ll wear, but what jersey he'll be wearing. His contract with the Broncos was only for one year. Because of the foot surgery, his market value is a total wild card heading into the 2026 offseason.
Some analysts think Denver should re-sign him "no matter what" because of the leadership and culture he brings to the locker room. Others think the Broncos need to move on to someone who can stay on the field for a full 17-game slate.
If he stays in Denver, he’s almost certainly keeping 27. If he signs elsewhere—maybe a return to a team looking for veteran depth—he’ll likely fight to keep that number again. At 27 years old (turning 28 in late 2026), he’s at that age where running backs either find a second wind or start to fade.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Collectors
If you are looking to track JK Dobbins or buy his gear, here is what you need to know:
- Official Roster Status: He is currently on the Denver Broncos' Injured Reserve.
- Current Number: 27.
- Buying Jerseys: If you're buying a Broncos jersey, make sure it’s the 2025/2026 style. Avoid "custom" Ohio State jerseys with #27 unless you specifically want the "tribute" look, as he wore #2 in college.
- Contract Watch: Keep an eye on the 2026 Free Agency period (starting in March). If he signs with a new team, there’s a high chance a rookie or established veteran might already have 27, which could force another number change.
Dobbins has proven time and again that he can return from devastating injuries. Whether he's in Denver or somewhere else, the number 27 will likely be right there with him, serving as a reminder of why he started playing the game in the first place.
Check the official NFL transaction wire in March 2026 to see if he lands a new contract, as that will be the first indicator of whether a number change is on the horizon.