Detroit Lions Make James Williams Announcement Ahead of 2025 Season

He’s not alone in making the switch — fellow Alabama alumni Jahmyr Gibbs and Terrion Arnold are also opting for new numbers, with Gibbs taking No. 0 and Arnold choosing No. 6.

Williams has proven to be a dynamic asset for head coach Dan Campbell’s offense, thanks to his speed and ability to stretch the field. Lining up alongside other offensive standouts like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, and David Montgomery, he adds another explosive layer to one of the league’s most potent attacks.

The No. 1 jersey is growing in popularity among top-tier receivers, with players like Ja’Marr Chase of the Bengals also embracing the single-digit trend after the NFL loosened its uniform number restrictions in 2021. Prior to that rule change, wide receivers were limited to numbers in the 10-19 and 80-89 range. The updated guidelines now allow them to wear digits between 0-49 and 80-89.

Now reunited with the number he wore in college, Williams hopes to channel the success he had at Alabama into another standout year in Detroit — one that could bring the Lions even closer to a Super Bowl appearance.