Source: BroBible
Summary
Von Miller traded his jersey number #40 to Cowboys fullback Hunter Luepke in exchange for an ownership stake in a chicken farm. Luepke, who had worn #40 since joining the team in 2023, agreed to the trade after Miller offered several incentives, including a lifetime supply of chicken. The deal was finalized with Luepke switching to #30. Miller had previously worn #40 in high school and later used #58 and #24 on other teams. The trade was reported by BroBible, citing a Cowboys-related source.
Our Reading
The routine arrives with confidence.
Jersey numbers are sacred. Some players won’t budge.
Others trade them for luxury cars, watches, or chicken.
Ownership in a poultry company is the new gold.
Some people just want to be number one. Others just want a chicken farm.
Author: Evan Null
Jersey Number Swaps Are More Than Just a Tradition
Jersey number swaps have become a common practice in the NFL, often involving some form of compensation. While some deals are straightforward, others are more unusual. For instance, players have traded numbers for luxury items, cash, or even unique incentives like a lifetime supply of chicken. These exchanges reflect the personal significance players attach to their jersey numbers, which can be tied to their identity or personal history.
Von Miller’s Number History Is a Long One
Von Miller has had a long history with jersey numbers, starting with #40 in high school and later using #58 and #24 on other teams. His decision to return to #40 when he joined the Cowboys was significant, as it had already been claimed by Hunter Luepke. The number had become a part of Luepke’s identity since he joined the team in 2023, making the swap more complex than a simple trade.
The Trade Involved More Than Just a Number
The trade between Miller and Luepke involved more than just swapping numbers. Miller presented Luepke with several offers, including full-body tattoo work and a lifetime supply of chicken. The chicken offer was tied to Miller’s ownership of Greener Pastures Chicken, a Texas-based poultry company. Luepke ultimately accepted an undisclosed ownership stake in the company, making the deal unique and unconventional.
Luepke Switched to #30 After the Trade
After the trade, Luepke switched to #30, leaving #40 for Miller. This change was necessary to accommodate Miller’s preference for the number, which had been a part of his identity for years. The trade highlights how jersey numbers can carry emotional and symbolic weight, even in a professional setting. It also shows how players can negotiate for personal value beyond just the number itself.
The Unusual Nature of the Deal Stands Out
While jersey number swaps are common, the nature of this particular trade stands out due to its unconventional compensation. The ownership stake in a chicken farm is not something typically seen in such deals, making it a unique example of how players can negotiate for personal value. This trade also reflects the growing trend of athletes investing in businesses outside of sports, further blurring the lines between professional and personal life.
