Back during rookie minicamp, Detroit Lions first-round pick Tyleik Williams was wearing number 78. When asked why he was sporting that number—something he didn’t wear in college—it was pretty clear he didn’t want to rock 78.
“Trying to get 91, but it’s already taken,” Williams said. “But hopefully, I can get out of 78. I don’t want (it), but right now, it’s 78. Now, I’m going to stick with it, make it look good. But for right now, that’s my number.”
The problem for Williams is that veteran defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike is currently sporting the number 91—Williams’ number he wore at Ohio State. However, it appears he won’t be wearing it for long.
Williams posted on his Instagram a text from someone telling him that his number has been officially changed to 91—suggesting Onwuzurike gave it up.
This jersey number change was also reported by Twitter account @nfl_jersey_num.
As of right now, it’s unclear what number Onwuzurike is taking. He has previously worn 75 with the Lions, but that is currently taken by Colby Sorsdal. In college, he wore 95 (currently held by Pat O’Connor) and No. 9 (Ennis Rakestraw). There aren’t a lot of numbers available with the roster at 90 players, but some currently vacant options include 79, 77 (don’t do it), and 56. During the offseason, teams are allowed one set of duplicate numbers, so it’s possible Onwuzurike is still sporting the 91... for now.
Typically, when there is an exchange for numbers, there is a certain amount of compensation involved. We’ll have to see what Tyleik Williams had to offer Onwuzurike to give up his newly acquired jersey number.
