NFL

Famously, J.J. McCarthy has wore the No. 9 since his college days. The era of «Nine» may be no longer, though.

Read more New York Giants

With McCarthy being traded to the Giants on Monday, set to become John Harbaugh’s new QB1 with Jaxson Dart injured, it remains uncertain what number he’ll be wearing in the Big Apple.

McCarthy has acknowledged a «Nine» alter ego he adopted in the past for gamedays, but with that number currently occupied in New York, he may have to leave the nickname behind.

Here’s why McCarthy may not wear No. 9 with the Giants.

MORE: Why Vikings only got a mid-round pick in exchange for J.J. McCarthy

Why J.J. McCarthy won’t be able to wear No. 9 jersey number with Giants

McCarthy wore No. 9 at Michigan and with the Vikings, saying in the past that he views himself as having an alter ego during his football games, something he had a nickname for.

«I call him Nine,» McCarthy said. «Nine comes out and I gotta understand, like, OK, he can’t be at his peak performance throughout three-and-a-half hours. So how do I find little ways on the sideline, get back to my breath, get back to my visualization, that can kind of maintain that intense, competitive stamina throughout the whole game? It’s just the pure will, determination to get the job done.»

With McCarthy struggling in Minnesota, his «Nine» nickname became more of a joke for fans than a real alter ego.

Read more NCPG Executive Director Latest to Quit Amid Backlash Over Kalshi Deal

In New York, however, tight end Isaiah Likely, an offseason free-agent signing for Harbaugh, now wears No. 9. 

Unless Likely is willing to change numbers, it appears McCarthy will be taking on a new number for the first time in his career.

What number will J.J. McCarthy wear with Giants?

Jaxson Dart’s No. 6 will also be unavailable for McCarthy, who may want something similar to his former No. 9.

If he can’t convince Likely to change numbers, there won’t be any single-digit numbers available for the new Giants quarterback — he’d have to have a double-digit number.

Read more Inks & Pints Slot Review

It remains to be seen what number McCarthy will select in New York.