Jameson Williams Will Wear the Number of a Detroit Lions Legend

Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Jameson Williams announced via his Instagram story the new number that he will be rocking this season.

The former Alabama Crimson Tide star was set to wear the No. 18 as homage to former Lions great Calvin Johnson, flipping Johnson’s 81 to 18. However, Williams decided to look for a single-digit number and made sure he had the permission before making the big move.

That single-digit number he chose is No. 9, worn by veteran quarterback and former Lions star Matthew Stafford.

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It is reported that Williams reached out to Stafford over text messages asking to wear the number before making the move official, a tell of how big of a deal it is bringing that number back onto the field. A show of class by Williams to ask for the blessing from Stafford.

Stafford spent 12 seasons in Detroit after being drafted first overall in the 2009 NFL Draft and holds multiple team records such as passing touchdowns and passing yards before being traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021.

Williams is still currently on the Lions’ non-football injury list, recovering from a torn ACL injury suffered in the 2022 College Football Playoff national championship game against Georgia. It’s uncertain now exactly when he’ll take the field this year for Detroit, but he is expected to play this season.

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