Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty really, really wanted to keep wearing his college jersey number (No. 2) in the NFL—so much so that he paid veteran safety Marcus Epps to let him have it. Turns out, the number has deep personal meaning for Jeanty: it’s a tribute to his late brother, who wore it when they played together as kids.

Editor’s Note: On the surface, this is a fun little story about a rookie bribing a teammate for a jersey number. But it’s also a reminder of how small, personal gestures—like holding onto a number tied to family—can mean a lot in the high-stakes world of pro sports. It humanizes the players behind the helmets and adds a layer of heart to the grind of the NFL.