I don't think technically, any of the numbers are actually retired.  They've simply not been put back into use, more out of respect than anything else.  Honestly, if Jimmy's 82 was retired, then 87 should be as well.  We've seen players wear 87 several times since Keenan's departure.

 

I think that for a young organization, it's about establishing a tradition.  For the guys that are in the Pride, if a young player coming in wanted to take that number, the organization could simply ask someone like Boselli or Taylor or Brunell if they would have an issue with their numbers going back into circulation.  I honestly don't think any of them would care.

 

I think that as time has passed, and the younger fans come into this organization, there's a certain disconnect with the history of the franchise because the younger fans weren't invested in the early days.  You can see it in this very thread where the younger posters, for the most part, think the numbers should be put back into use.  I think many of the long time fans who have been here from the start would prefer to keep them out of circulation unless the players who wore those jerseys say it's okay.  It's the older fans who have the connection to the current Pride players and guys like Jimmy Smith (who should be inducted into the Pride with Coughlin).  If the players say go for it, I doubt anyone would take issue. 

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