The Detroit Lions are aiming for the top again this season and didn’t need any additional motivation.
Nevertheless, second-year pro Terrion Arnold wants something bigger than football to drive him.
That’s why the cornerback chose to switch from No. 0 to No. 6 ahead of this season.
Asked about that, he shared the major reasons why he chose to do so.
“No. 1, my mom’s birthday is May 6. I wore No. 6 in high school, but then everybody knows about the past and what happened to my teammate, Khyree [Jackson]. If I need extra motivation, just knowing that he’s somewhere looking down and just remembering he’s living through me,” Arnold said, via Eric Woodyard.
#Lions CB Terrion Arnold switches from No. 0 to No. 6 this season in honor of his friend and late Alabama teammate Khyree Jackson — and his mother. “Just remembering he’s living through me,” Arnold said. pic.twitter.com/qbyMBZGRBR
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) July 21, 2025
Jackson died as the result of a car accident last July.
Months after that, former Alabama teammate Arnold started 15 of the 16 games he played as a rookie, allowing a 55.6 percent completion rate when targeted.
He also had 60 combined tackles (47 solo) and recovered one fumble.
This season, he and everybody else will have to step up with defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn now head coach of the New York Jets.
The Lions looked like they were headed to the Super Bowl for the first time.
They fell short with a playoff loss to the Washington Commanders, and some believe Detroit is due for some regression.
Arnold entered the league with plenty of promise as the No. 24 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and he has the potential to be a star.
Now, with the weight and responsibility of honoring his late teammate and friend on every snap, he could take a huge leap in his second season.
NEXT: Jahmyr Gibbs Makes Bold Statement Amid Super Bowl Pursuit
