The Atlanta Falcons of the NFL and Atlanta United of MLS announced on Friday that they would “retire” the number 44 during their 2021 seasons. No player will wear that number on his jersey this season to honor Atlanta Braves icon Hank Aaron, who died on Friday at age 86.
Aaron’s 44 has been retired forever by the Braves and the Milwaukee Brewers. The Mobile native is among the 19 players with Alabama connections who has had his number retired in the United States’ major professional sports leagues. Aaron and the NBA’s Charles Barkley have had their numbers retired by two franchises.