Get your credit cards ready: the Detroit Lions have released the numbers that the franchise’s newcomers from the NFL draft and free agency have selected.
The Lions released the new numbers in a post on social media Tuesday afternoon.
First-round pick Jahmyr Gibbs, who wore No. 1 at Alabama, has settled on a more typical NFL running back number of No. 26, which is currently sported by New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley of the Giants, and used to be worn by ex-Michigan State running back Le’Veon Bell as well as Clinton Portis. Last year, No. 26 was worn by cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu.
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Fellow first rounder Jack Campbell selected an on-brand No. 46, which he wore in high school. Running back Craig Reynolds was the most recent Lion to wear No. 46, sporting it last season; the last Lions linebacker to wear it? Vinny Ciurciu in 2010. Campbell wore No. 31 while playing for Iowa.
Second-round defensive back Brian Branch, a pick that has been highly praised by draft experts, decided to wear No. 32, which used to be worn by Dre’ Bly — hired as the Lions’ defensive backs coach this offseason.
Perhaps the headliner of the group was former Tennessee quarterback and third-round pick Hendon Hooker, who decided to wear No. 12, which of course is the number of Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Terry Bradshaw. Three Lions wore the number last year, including the QB likely just ahead of Hooker on the depth chart, Nate Sudfeld. (Though he switched to No. 10 once the season began.)
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Defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who signed a one-year deal with the Lions this offseason, has chosen to wear No. 2. Wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr., who wore No. 11 when he was on the Lions the last time, has made his change to No. 0 — newly allowed this offseason — official. Meanwhile, new signee Cam Sutton has decided to rock No. 1, and Emmanuel Moseley will wear No. 4.