Particle.news
Download on the App Store

49ers Rookie De'Zhaun Stribling Adopts No. 7 Jersey

The choice has prompted online jokes linking him to a recently arrested impersonator as federal prosecutors pursue wire‑fraud charges.

Overview

  • Stribling officially switched from No. 15 to No. 7 after the 49ers finalized their 53‑man roster on Aug. 31.
  • He told reporters the change is personal, saying he wore No. 7 in high school and wants to be comfortable in that number.
  • Fans and social media users immediately tied the move to Daejon (Dejaun) Love, an alleged impostor who posted photos claiming to be a 49ers receiver.
  • Federal authorities arrested Love in late August and charged him with conspiracy and wire fraud in a scheme that prosecutors say bilked roughly $1.3 million from about two dozen victims.
  • Stribling enters the season as a likely contributor after being the 33rd overall pick and compiling 109 yards on 11 catches in the preseason, and several teammates also changed numbers when the roster was set.