Miami Dolphins wide receiver Davone Bess isn't giving up his #15 to newly acquired wide receiver Brandon Marshall, reports Mike Bernadino of the Sun-Sentinel.

"It’s been a long journey, and I just feel like I had to start from ground zero with that number," Bess told Bernadino. "It’s just a lot deeper than what it seems to be. For me to go through what I went through with that number, it speaks measures. It meant I overcame a lot and I’m still trying to overcome more. I’m my own biggest critic. I’m just trying to get better and better and better."

Bess, who joined the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Hawaii in 2008, has caught 130 passes for 1,312 yards and 3 touchdowns in 32 games, including eight starts, over the last two seasons. Bess led the Dolphins with 76 receptions for 758 yards in 2009, and has added 751 return yards (440 punt, 311 kick) to his overall production.

The 24-year old Bess alluded to receiving a financial offer from Marshall for the number, but Bess wasn't selling.

"That’s just me," Bess said. "I think that’s a [sign] of my character, period. Everything isn’t about money. Obviously whatever he offered me would have been great money. I could have definitely used it. But with me some things are deeper than just the materialistic things."

Marshall continues to wear #19, but could pounce on #85, currently worn by backup tight end Kory Sperry, if it becomes available.