Why did Terrion Arnold Change his Jersey Number?

Former Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold, who the Detroit Lions drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, originally started his Lions career wearing No. 0. Earlier in April, Arnold switched his jersey number to No. 6.

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Rookies changing their jersey numbers is a difficult time for the player. If a player wants to change their jersey number after one season, they have to buy out the entire stock of their jersey. Players can submit their jersey changes two years in advance to circumvent that rule. With Arnold being a rookie last season, he has not been in the league long enough to get around the rule.

Arnold's reasoning for changing his jersey number warrants the immediate change, however. Arnold changed to number six to honor his former Alabama teammate Khyree Jackson, who died in a car accident just a few months after the 2024 NFL draft. Jackson was drafted in the fourth round by the Minnesota Vikings.

Arnold was asked about why he switched his jersey on the New Wave Podcast with current Alabama stars Ryan Williams, Jaylen Mbakwe, and Dre Kirkpatrick Jr.

"It's kind of just that extra motivation," Arnold said, "when you look down and say, 'dang man. I got on that 6 and my brother living through me at the same time.'"

Arnold and Jackson crossed over during their college football journeys at Alabama for two seasons. Jackson was at Alabama from 2021-22, while Arnold spent his entire college football career with the Crimson Tide from 2021-23. Jackson spent his 2023 season as a member of the Oregon Ducks.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.