This is going to be a retard question but what is the relationship between jersey number and field position in football (grid iron)?

In rugby, when I see a number, I know exactly where the man plays on the field (paddock). So a number 2 is always the hooker in the middle of the front scrum line, typically does the line out toss, and sometimes is team captain. The number expresses position, not the man.

So, in football, what do all those numbers mean? Keep this simple, please.

The NFL has assigned certain numbers to correspond with certain positions. For example, QBs are 19 and under; receivers are in the 80s. Some numbers cross over (e.g., Kelly Campbell, a WR for Minnesota, is #16).

Thanks. So numbers broadly express position as well as linking a number to the person. In rugby, I can go to any provincial game of unknowns and know what every man is supposed to be doing, regardless of name. In fact, people in the crowd speak of the number 2 or the number 8 or number 7.

More info from an article a couple years back on NFL.com

Here are the assignments - though, a few players do cross over:

1-19 Quarterbacks and Kickers
20-49 Running Backs and Defensive Backs
50-59 Centers and Linebackers
60-79 Defensive Linemen and Offensive Linemen
80-89 Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
90-99 Defensive Linemen and Linebackers