Colts' Hakeem Nicks to wear No. 14; Marvin Harrison's 88 protected, not retired

The eights that decorated Marvin Harrison's jersey for 13 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts have yet to be retired, but that doesn't mean some free agent wide receiver can stake claim to his digits.

Hakeem Nicks, who signed a 1-year, $3.5-million contract to bolster Andrew Luck's fleet of receivers this off-season, has worn No. 88 since entering the league five years ago with the New York Giants, but will have to settle for No. 14 with his new club, according to the team's official website. 

The North Carolina product had previously stated his desire to continue sporting eights, but has apparently been overridden by the powers that be in Indianapolis. 

As the franchise's all-time leading receiver, Harrison's name is held in sanctity and a number retirement is unquestionably warranted, but as his legal troubles remain unsettled, his number will likely remain in its current holding pattern.