Turns out, even NFL stars don’t always get what they want—at least when it comes to jersey numbers.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams recently revealed that the number he wears on the field wasn’t actually his first choice. Williams, known for his big-play ability and growing stardom in Detroit, shared that he initially had his eyes on a different number when he joined the team.
The problem? That number was already taken.
Like many players, jersey numbers can carry a lot of personal meaning—whether it’s from high school, college, or just something they’ve always connected with. But in the NFL, seniority and availability usually decide who gets what.
Williams didn’t name the exact number he was hoping for, but it’s clear he had to settle for his current digits after finding out his top pick was off the table.
Despite not wearing his preferred number, Williams has made it work just fine on the field. He continues to grow into a key piece of Detroit’s high-powered offense, helping the Lions emerge as legit contenders in the NFC.
At the end of the day, it’s not the number that makes the player—it’s what you do in it. And so far, Williams is making that number look pretty good.