ESPN’s Eric Woodyard Reports on Jahmyr Gibbs’ Unexpected Jersey Change for 2025

“I never liked 26,” Gibbs said, per ESPN’s Eric Woodyard. “When I got drafted, the only numbers left were 26, 33, 35—stuff like that. I just picked 26 because I had to. When I finally got the chance to change it, I did. I was hoping for number one, but Jameson Williams already had that, so I went with zero since it was next to it. There’s no hidden meaning behind it.”

He admitted to having some initial doubts about whether the zero would suit him, but after seeing it on his uniform, he feels comfortable with the look. While he’s not locking himself into No. 0 for the rest of his career, he definitely prefers it over his previous number.

Interestingly, No. 0 was already worn in 2024 by rookie defensive back Terrion Arnold, who will now switch to No. 6. It’s not known whether Arnold or Gibbs initiated the number swap first.

On the field, Gibbs has been delivering results. After gaining 945 rushing yards in his first NFL season, he exploded in his sophomore campaign, racking up 1,412 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. He also added 517 receiving yards and scored four more times through the air, all while sharing duties in the backfield with veteran David Montgomery.

Gibbs isn’t the only Lion shaking up his jersey number this offseason. Wide receiver Jameson Williams is moving from No. 9 to No. 1. That opens the door for second-year cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. to take over No. 9.

Several new faces will also take the field in different numbers. Defensive back D.J. Reed, recently acquired by the Lions, will stick with No. 4—the same number he wore while with the Jets. Linebacker Grant Stuard has chosen No. 15.

As for the 2025 rookie class, the team’s top draft pick will wear No. 78. Second-round selection Tate Ratledge is going with No. 69, while Isaac TeSlaa and Miles Frazier will wear No. 18 and No. 71, respectively.