DALLAS — Editor's note: The video above is from a different story on Emmitt Smith hiring a local TikTok chef to create his birthday cake.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith will wear the No. 9 for the 2021-2022 NFL season. It marks the first time any Cowboys player has donned the number since Tony Romo's retirement.
Smith previously wore No. 54.
In a press conference following team activities, Smith said he's worn the No. 9 from pee-wee football all the way through college. Smith also said it is a "blessing to continue the legacy."
According to Todd Archer of ESPN, Smith reached out to Romo before making the change official, and will buy out the current inventory of No. 54 jerseys and T-shirts. The buyout will reportedly come at a mid six-figure cost.
In April, NFL owners voted to change the rules regarding eligible jersey numbers for positions. Single-digit numbers were previously relegated to quarterbacks, kickers and punters. Now, single-digit numbers are also available to running backs, tight ends, fullbacks, halfbacks, wide receivers, defensive backs and linebackers.