The star running back of the Minnesota Vikings, Dalvin Cook, is apparently changing his number after a year’s delay. The 26-year-old already wanted a different number last year, but the switch fell through at the time for financial reasons.

Munich/Minnesota – When NFL fans think of Dalvin Cook of the Minnesota Vikings, they automatically think of the number 33. Since the running back was drafted in the second round by the Vikings in 2017, he played with this number. But now it appears that’s over.

The 26-year-old has decided to change his running back number from 33 to 4, which he wore in college and high school, he announced at a press conference Tuesday.

Dalvin Cook switching to No. 4 this season. https://t.co/duoj3ylpNB

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 12, 2022

Cook wanted to transfer as early as last year

The three-time Pro Bowler had already considered changing his number last year, but an NFL rule at the time would have required him to purchase his old, unsold jerseys at normal shop prices – a cumulative $1.5 million, after all. Cook probably decided against it for financial reasons and is now switching to No. 4 for the coming season.

As Josh Alper of “ProFootball Talk” reports, the Vikings pro gave a promise to his father as the reason for his change. Additionally, the running back commented on Tuesday, “I’m just a lot stronger mentally when I wear number four.”

And he also promised further improvements to his game, “You’re going to see a version of me which you’ve never seen before. A special and stronger version.”

So given his 4820 rushing yards, 39 rushing touchdowns, and 1499 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns since 2017, the rest of the NFL should be warming up.