New Jersey Numbers Reflect Changes for the Detroit Lions in 2025

The Detroit Lions have been undergoing a significant transformation under head coach Dan Campbell, focusing not only on player acquisitions but also on reshaping the overall culture of the team. One area where this shift can be seen is in the new jersey numbers selected by players ahead of the 2025 season. For the Detroit Lions, jersey numbers aren’t just about tradition and aesthetics—they symbolize a fresh start, new ambitions, and the promise of a competitive future.

In professional sports, a player’s jersey number can carry immense significance, from honoring past legends to marking a new era. For the Lions, the upcoming season will feature several jersey number changes that signal the team’s evolving identity. Whether it’s a newly acquired player getting their first choice of number or a veteran opting for a fresh start, these number changes offer a glimpse into the vision that Campbell and the front office have for the team moving forward.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the updated jersey numbers for the Detroit Lions in 2025 and explore what these changes mean for the players, the team, and their loyal fanbase.

A New Era for the Quarterback Position

One of the most significant changes for the Lions is quarterback Jared Goff’s jersey number. After a few seasons wearing the number 16, Goff will sport a new look in 2025. The team decided to allow Goff to wear the number 10, which has a storied history in the NFL, most notably with some of the game’s great quarterbacks. Goff, who was traded to the Lions in a blockbuster deal with the Los Angeles Rams, has shown his leadership and ability to guide Detroit’s offense to new heights. By changing his number to 10, Goff is not just marking a fresh chapter in his career but also embracing a symbolic new role as the focal point of the Lions’ offense.

As the team looks to build on last season’s progress, Goff’s number 10 will serve as a reminder of the important work ahead and the leadership the Lions need to continue their rise in the NFC. For Goff, this number change comes with high expectations as he attempts to lead the Lions to their first playoff appearance in years.

A New Look for the Secondary

One of the most notable jersey number changes comes from the secondary. With the addition of standout free-agent cornerback Jalen Ramsey, the Lions will have a vastly improved defensive backfield. Ramsey, known for his elite play on the field, will wear the number 20 for Detroit in 2025. This is a number that has been worn by several iconic players in the NFL over the years, and Ramsey’s decision to wear it reflects his desire to join the ranks of great defenders.

The Lions’ defensive backfield was one of the weakest points in the 2024 season, and Ramsey’s arrival brings a much-needed boost to the unit. Wearing number 20, Ramsey aims to not only elevate his own game but also help transform the Lions’ defense into a unit that can compete with the league’s best. As the Lions make a push for the playoffs, Ramsey’s new number will serve as a symbol of the team’s newfound defensive strength.

A Fresh Look for Young Talent

The Lions’ 2025 draft class features a collection of young players eager to make their mark. Among them is rookie wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, who enters the league as one of the most highly anticipated prospects at his position. Boutte has been a standout at LSU and is expected to make an immediate impact in Detroit’s high-powered offense. For his first year with the Lions, Boutte will wear the number 85, a number that hasn’t been widely associated with any one player in recent Detroit history. For Boutte, this number is more than just a piece of fabric—it’s a blank canvas. As he prepares for his first season with the Lions, Boutte’s number 85 represents the hope and excitement surrounding his arrival.

Another exciting rookie who will be sporting a fresh jersey number is defensive lineman Calijah Kancey. Kancey, a standout at Pitt, joins the Lions to help fortify the defensive front and provide a boost to the pass rush. Kancey will wear the number 96 for Detroit, a number that has historical significance for the team. This number has seen success in the past with multiple players making their mark on the defensive line. Kancey will look to continue that tradition and contribute immediately to a defense in need of playmakers.

The Return of Familiar Faces

Some players aren’t just changing their jersey numbers—they’re embracing a new chapter altogether with the Lions. Veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone, who has been a steady presence on Detroit’s defense, will switch from number 34 to number 55 in 2025. This change is symbolic of Anzalone’s evolution within the team and his important leadership role as one of the more experienced defenders on the roster. The number 55 has been worn by linebackers in the NFL with great success, and Anzalone will aim to live up to the legacy it represents.

Anzalone’s new number reflects a changing of the guard for the Lions’ defense, as younger players continue to make their impact felt and older veterans like Anzalone take on more responsibility. His leadership on and off the field will be critical for the team as they navigate the ups and downs of a long NFL season.

Shifting Priorities on the Offensive Line

The offensive line has been another area of focus for the Lions, and changes are coming in this department as well. One of the more interesting number changes involves veteran offensive tackle Taylor Decker. Decker, who has been a staple of Detroit’s offensive line for years, will be switching from number 68 to number 75 for the 2025 season. This change represents a desire for a fresh start and a renewed focus on helping protect Jared Goff and create running lanes for the team’s backfield.

Decker’s new number is more than just a cosmetic change—it’s a reflection of the offensive line’s revamped approach to the season. The Lions have placed a significant emphasis on improving their offensive line depth, and Decker’s role will be pivotal in keeping the quarterback clean and establishing the run game.

A Changing Identity in Detroit

For the Detroit Lions, these jersey number changes signal more than just cosmetic alterations—they are emblematic of a shifting culture and a desire for improvement on all fronts. In recent years, the Lions have struggled to find consistency, but the infusion of talent through free agency, the draft, and key jersey number updates is a sign that the organization is ready to turn a corner.

From revamped leadership on the defense to a retooled offensive line, these jersey number changes reflect the team’s evolving identity. With new faces and new numbers, the Lions are positioning themselves to challenge the NFC’s top teams and create a culture of winning that has eluded them for so long.

As fans gear up for the 2025 season, the updated jersey numbers are a reminder of the Lions’ commitment to growth, improvement, and, most importantly, winning. With high expectations for the team’s future, these new numbers will be worn by players who hope to etch their names into the history books of the Detroit Lions franchise. While the significance of a jersey number might seem like a minor detail to some, for the Lions, it represents a fresh start, an opportunity to create new legends, and a belief that the future is brighter than ever before.