Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold has decided to change his jersey number, switching from 0 to 6, in honor of his late friend and Alabama teammate, Khyree Jackson.
Jackson, who at the time was a rookie cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings, died on July 6 of last year after a three-vehicle accident in Prince George’s County, Maryland, in which two of his high school football teammates also died. A driver involved in the accident was charged with 13 counts, including DUI and vehicular manslaughter by criminal negligence.
Arnold, 22, also briefly wore the number 6 at John Paul II Catholic High School in Tallahassee, Florida, where he played wide receiver and safety. Now, in the NFL, he returns to the number with a deeper message.
We feel that we honor his legacy and the impact he had on me.
Terrion Arnold
Arnold stated on the “New Wave Podcast” with Ryan Williams and Jaylen Mbakwe.
Arnold added that this change gives him “that extra motivation” when remembering his friend in each game.
Following Jackson’s death, Williams and Lions safety Brian Branch, another Alabama star, missed camp practice to attend Jackson’s funeral on July 26 in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Branch described the moment as bigger than football, highlighting how Jackson’s legacy lives on through his teammates.
It’s like those sayings where football is bigger than you, so looking at it like talking to your little brother. You can look at the screen and look at the camera and say, ‘wear number 6 for my big brother’.
Terrion Arnold
Arnold also mentioned the importance of keeping in touch with Jackson’s family, assuring them that Khyree will never be forgotten.
This isn’t the only number change for the Lions this offseason. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs switched from number 26 to Arnold’s 0, while wide receiver Jameson Williams changed from 9 to 1, the same number he wore in college at Alabama.
