In 2004 the Athletics Department began developing criteria through which numbers would be retired. The policy issued in 2005 listed the requirements as including, but not being limited to:
- being recognized as good citizens and having a minimum of five years between the candidate’s UT football career and consideration of this honor.
- achievement of three of the following five collegiate honors: (1) induction into the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame; (2) Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Year; (3) Consensus All-America, Heisman Trophy winner, and have won one of the following general athletic or academic or non-position specific awards: Sullivan Award, SEC Athlete of the Year (all sports) or Draddy Award.
- achievement of three of the following four professional distinctions: induction into the NFL Hall of Fame, NFL offensive or defensive MVP, Achieved Pro Bowl status in five seasons, and holder of a major career or season statistical record (yards, sacks, tackles, touchdowns scored or thrown). Candidates who have been enshrined in both the College Football Hall of Fame and the NFL Hall of Fame will receive strong consideration for number retirement.
In 2012 the criteria were revised, removing the requirement for professional football accolades and clarifying that the jersey would be retired, but not the number itself. The first jersey retired under the new policy was that of Johnny Majors (Number 45).