Detriot Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold's sophomore season in the NFL will come with additional meaning that stretches beyond the gridiron.
Arnold has changed his jersey number from zero to six in honor of a late former teammate, Khyree Jackson. The one-time Alabama product and 2024 fourth-round pick of the Vikings was killed in a car crash in July 2024 that also claimed the lives of two of Jackson's former high school teammates.
A fellow member of the 2024 rookie class, Arnold took it upon himself to ensure football fans everywhere remember the late Jackson.
"The guy was a competitor, ultimate competitor," Arnold recently said during an appearance on the New Wave Podcast with Alabama's Ryan Williams and Jaylen Mbakwe. "It's that extra motivation when you look down and say 'dang, man, I got on that six. My brother (is) living through me.'"
Arnold and Jackson spent two seasons as teammates with the Crimson Tide before Jackson transferred to Oregon for his final collegiate campaign. While they didn't finish their college days together, both were chosen in the 2024 draft, Detroit taking Arnold with the 24th overall pick and the Vikings selecting Jackson as the 108th choice.
Arnold is hoping to preserve the memory of a teammate who, as Arnold recalled lovingly, always gave his full effort to the game.
"Talking to his little brother, he can go look on the screen, look in the camera and say 'dang, man, he's wearing No. 6 because of my big brother.' That's amazing," Arnold said."
"Just being able to talk to his family, talk to his dad or his mom and just letting them know: At the end of the day, Terrion ain't forgot about Khyree."
