CHARLOTTE — For starters, it's worth pointing out that we wouldn't normally write a story about a practice squad cornerback choosing a number.
As you might have noticed, Josh Norman is not a normal practice squad signing.
The latest acquisition is a familiar face to the team from his first four years in the league — and has Panthers DNA, according to interim coach Steve Wilks — but he's going to have a new look this week.
Norman's old No. 24 jersey is occupied by CJ Henderson (and league rules don't allow players to switch in-season), so Norman will be wearing a No. 6 jersey when he steps on the practice field Wednesday.
He joked after signing his contract Monday about getting back on the field after a long layoff, and the player who took on the Batman persona during his first stint said: "We'll put on the cape and go out there and do our thing."
Knowing it's a different cape didn't make him any less excited.
"Listen, there can be multiple capes," Norman said with a laugh. "Michael Jordan had 23, and then came in and had 45, right?"
"So me, it's a sense of the jersey chose me, I didn't choose it," he said. "So it's about the man who's inside of it. I had my time in that thing, and it was special. We went to championship games, went to Super Bowls, made All-Pro.
"But now, to garnish that, I think we do it in a different way, a different number."
That jersey was worn by quarterback Baker Mayfield earlier this year, but the Panthers have had good luck with corners in single digits in the past. When Stephon Gilmore was here last season, he wore No. 9.
Josh Norman was originally drafted by Carolina in the fifth round in 2012. He played four seasons (2012-15) with the Panthers, earning All-Pro honors during the team's Super Bowl run in 2015. Norman then played for Washington (2016-19), Buffalo (2020) and San Francisco (2021).
Carolina Panthers play against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, September 27, 2015
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, October 4, 2015 in Tampa, FL.
Carolina Panthers play against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, November 15, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, October 18, 2015.
Carolina Panthers Josh Norman #24 is seen against the Denver Broncos during the NFL Super Bowl 50 football game Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
The Carolina Panthers' Josh Norman (24) signals for crowd noise during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 31-24. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) intercepts a ball intended for Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) in the end zone during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014, in Charlotte. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
The Carolina Panthers' Josh Norman (24) takes the field during home team introductions before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 31-24. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Josh Norman (24) drops back in coverage against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Josh Norman (24) accepts congratulatory handshakes from the Arizona Cardinals following an NFL wild card playoff football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015. The Panthers won 27-16. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) makes his fifth catch of the day against Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman leaves the field after the Panthers beat the Tennessee Titans 27-10 in an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Cornerback (26) Josh Norman of the San Francisco 49ers is introduced during player introductions against the Houston Texans in an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Santa Clara, CA. (AP Photo/Jeff Lewis)
Carolina Panthers' Josh Norman (24) looks to gain some yardage after he intercepted a Seattle Seahwaks' pass during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014, in Charlotte, N.C. The Seahawks won 13-9. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Josh Norman (24) and Teddy Williams (21) react after a play during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) heads for the end zone after intercepting a pass from Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
New Orleans Saints' Brandin Cooks (10) gets a pass intercepted by Carolina Panthers' Josh Norman (24) during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015. The Panthers won 27-22. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
FILE - In this Dec. 13, 2015, file photo, Carolina Panthers' Josh Norman (24) defends on an incomplete pass to Atlanta Falcons' Julio Jones (11) during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers play the Seattle Seahawks in a playoff game Sunday; one of the matchups will be Norman against Seattle wide receiver Doug Baldwin. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone), File
Carolina Panthers' Josh Norman takes a selfie after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers won 49-15 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) takes the field before the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Josh Norman (24) defends a pass at the goal line against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Nov. 2, 2015. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) lines up on New York Giants' Odell Beckham (13) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs after a catch as Carolina Panthers' Josh Norman (24) defends in the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
El defensivo de los Panthers de Carolina Josh Norman (24) devuelve para touchdown un pase interceptado a Jameis Winson de los Buccaneers de Tampa Bay en el partido del domingo 4 de octubre de 2015. (Foto AP/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Carolina Panthers defensive back Josh Norman (24) walks to the field before the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, in Charlotte. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) during warmups before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Seattle, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
FILE - In this Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015 file photo, Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) runs back an interception against the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 30-yard touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla. The Carolina Panthers applied the non-exclusive franchise tag to All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman on Tuesday, March 1, 2016. The team made the announcement two hours before the NFL deadline.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
Carolina Panthers' Josh Norman #24 in action against the Denver Broncos during the NFL Super Bowl 50 football game Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Atlanta Falcons' Julio Jones (11) faces off against Carolina Panthers' Josh Norman (24) in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) defends against a route run by Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) in the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
FILE - In this Oct. 4, 2015, file photo, Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman heads for the end zone after intercepting a pass from Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston during an NFL football game in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco, File)
Carolina Panthers defensive back Josh Norman (24) celebrates after Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould (9) misses a field goal during the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
during the second half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville , Fla., Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015. The Panthers won 20-9. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Carolina Panthers' Josh Norman before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt)
FILe - In this Jan. 24, 2016, file photo, Carolina Panthers' Josh Norman celebrates after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers have until Tuesday, March 1, 2016, to put the franchise tag on All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman, a move that is expected while the team looks to work out a long-term contract. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File)
Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) tackles Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
FILE - In this Sept. 27, 2015, file photo, Carolina Panthers' Josh Norman, right, intercepts a pass in front of New Orleans Saints' Brandin Cooks during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers have until Tuesday, March 1, 2016, to put the franchise tag on All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman, a move that is expected while the team looks to work out a long-term contract. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone, File)
Carolina Panthers' Josh Norman wears a mask as he answers a question during Opening Night for the NFL Super Bowl 50 football game Monday, Feb. 1, 2016, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) warms up before an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Landover, Md., Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) and Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) walk across the field together during the first half of an NFL football game in Landover, Md., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) greets Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) after an NFL football game in Landover, Md., Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. The Panthers defeated the Redskins 26-15. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) and Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) line up against each other in the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) ties up Oakland Raiders wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) during the first half of an NFL football game in Landover, Md., Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
FILE - In this Oct. 28, 2016, file photo, Washington Redskins' cornerback Josh Norman speaks to journalists after a training session in London, England. Coming off a season in which he was the most penalized player in the NFL and didn't make the Pro Bowl, Josh Norman is licking his chops thinking about what's next. A different scheme under new defensive coordinator Greg Manusky has Norman and everyone else around the Washington Redskins thinking this is Norman's year to shine. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) celebrates his turn over recovery during the first half of an NFL football game between the Washington Redskins and the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally)
Washington Redskins defensive back Josh Norman (24) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) carries the ball as Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (22) chases him after Norman pulled in an interception during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Washington Redskins defensive back Josh Norman (24) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) breaks up a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11), Arizona Cardinals defensive back Patrick Peterson and Washington Redskins defensive back Josh Norman (24) after an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) reacts during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) knocks the ball away from Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) during an NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Redskins, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally)
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) talks with New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) after the Redskins beat the New York Giants 20-13 in an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Washington Redskins' Josh Norman (24) in action during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 3, 2018, Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) sets up for a play in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman in action against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Philadelphia, PA. (AP Photo/Jason E. Miczek)
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) in action against the Houston Texans in an NFL game, Sunday, November 18, 2018 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
Washington Redskins' Josh Norman reacts during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 3, 2018, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman runs onto the field prior to an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally)
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) runs with his interception in front of Chicago Bears tight end Trey Burton (80) during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 23, 2019, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) defends against Chicago Bears running back Tarik Cohen (29) during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 23, 2019, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) looks across the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally)
Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera and Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) speak prior to an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Buffalo Bills cornerback Josh Norman (29) defends against Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver James Washington (13) during the first half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Buffalo Bills cornerback Josh Norman #29 defends a play against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)
Buffalo Bills cornerback Josh Norman (29) heads to the locker room with teammates before an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Monday, Oct. 19, 2020, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Buffalo Bills cornerback Josh Norman (29) talks with Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) after an NFL wild-card playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Bills won the game 27-24. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Buffalo Bills cornerback Josh Norman (29) defends against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec.. 19, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Justin Edmonds)
Buffalo Bills cornerback Josh Norman (29) runs for a touchdown after intercepting a pass by Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Buffalo Bills cornerback Josh Norman (29) celebrates as he walks off the field after defeating the Denver Broncos 48-19 in an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec.. 19, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/Justin Edmonds)
Buffalo Bills cornerback Josh Norman, right, hugs Levi Wallace (39) after an NFL divisional round football game against the Baltimore Ravens Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Bills won 17-3. (AP Photo/John Munson)
Buffalo Bills cornerback Josh Norman (29) reacts after a Baltimore Ravens missed field goal attempt during the first half of an NFL divisional round football game Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/John Munson)
Buffalo Bills cornerback Josh Norman (29) celebrates his touchdown with outside linebacker Matt Milano (58) in the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/John Munson)
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Josh Norman (26) walks of the field after an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Jacksonville, Fla. The 49ers defeated the Jaguars 30-10. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Josh Norman (26) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
Cornerback (26) Josh Norman of the San Francisco 49ers against the Arizona Cardinals in an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 17-10. (AP Photo/Jeff Lewis)
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Josh Norman (26) and cornerback Emmanuel Moseley (4) during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
San Francisco 49ers' Josh Norman against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Carolina Panthers play against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 20, 2015
Cornerback (26) Josh Norman of the San Francisco 49ers against the Houston Texans in an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Santa Clara, CA. 49ers defeated the Texans 23-7. (AP Photo/Jeff Lewis)
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Josh Norman (26) plays against the Tennessee Titans during an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Carolina Panthers play against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, September 13, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 20, 2015
Carolina Panthers play against the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 20, 2015
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, October 4, 2015 in Tampa, FL.
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, October 4, 2015 in Tampa, FL.
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, October 4, 2015 in Tampa, FL.
Carolina Panthers play against the Indianapolis Colts on Monday, November 2, 2015
Carolina Panthers play against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, October 18, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, November 15, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, November 8, 2015
