Atlanta Falcons rookie running back Qadree Ollison will continue to honor the memory of his slain brother by switching his uniform number.
According to ESPN, Ollison, a fifth-round draft pick out of the University of Pittsburgh, was given permission by Falcons coach Dan Quinn to switch from No. 32 to No. 30 to honor his older brother, LeRowne Harris, 35, who was fatally shot in 2017.
Harris wore No. 30 when he starred in youth league football in Niagara Falls, New York, ESPN reported. Harris was fatally shot three times in the back at a gas station in Buffalo, New York on Oct. 14, 2017, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Denzel Lewis pleaded guilty in May to the slaying, the newspaper reported.
Ollison wore No. 30 during his final year at Pitt.
Quinn said he approached Ollison to suggest the number change, ESPN reported. The number became available when Atlanta waived fullback Ricky Ortiz.
"They've got to call and ask the league, but (Quinn) said it shouldn't be a problem,'' Ollison told ESPN. "A number is a number, but this means a little bit more to me. It's going to be really nice to have that. It's going to be exciting for everybody, just wearing that number and what it represents to me and my family.''
Ollison has rushed for two touchdowns during the preseason.
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