Earlier in the offseason, Dallas Cowboys defenders Micah Parsons and Jayron Kearse both wanted the No. 0 jersey. Parsons pulled out of the running fairly quickly, which paved the way for Kearse to become agent zero.
Before long, Kearse circled back to No. 27, which he donned in his first two seasons with the Cowboys. Incredibly, the versatile safety has changed course yet again, and it comes in light of Kelvin Joseph being dealt to the Dolphins.
Kearse will wear No. 1 -- previously worn by Joseph -- for the 2023 season.
Long before Joseph was drafted by Dallas, though, Kearse repped the No. 1 jersey as a standout safety at Clemson, where he was a two-time First-Team All-ACC member as well as a Second-Team All-American.
The One:
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 31, 2023
Jayron Kearse moved from No. 27 to No. 1 for a specific reason, and it has everything to do with wanting to become ‘Clemson Kearse’ in 2023.
‘I'm hoping to take that next step. You can't miss a No. 1 on the field.’
✍🏾 https://t.co/Hwt9vVj1eM pic.twitter.com/RSmDv4Rs0C
Cowboys News: Jayron Kearse to wear No. 1 jersey, Injury updates on Sam Williams and Donovan Wilson
For whatever reason, owner Jerry Jones doesn't want any player wearing No. 0 for the upcoming season. That said, Kearse had rookie DeMarvion Overshown (currently No. 35) in mind when deciding to switch back to his college number.
“It’s not just a number,” said Kearse, via the Dallas Morning News. “It’s a number I did a lot of good things in, so I’m excited to be back in it. ...Somebody will wear (zero) next year. Hopefully they’ll give it to Overshown.”
A classy gesture from Kearse, who wasn't the only Cowboy to switch jersey numbers:
- Brandon Aubrey: 17
- Markquese Bell: 14
- Hunter Luepke: 40
- Noah Igbinoghene: 19
The big takeaway there? Deuce Vaughn will keep No. 42. It's not a traditional number for a running back, but Vaughn isn't your typical RB. Fans have called for Vaughn to switch to No. 22, which he repped at Kansas State, but the rookie will stick with No. 42, which is undoubtedly the right call.
Deuce Vaughn is not changing numbers. So it's safe to get his #42 jersey now
— Tom Downey (@WhatGoingDowney) August 31, 2023
BUY: https://t.co/FtybdGgA9r#DallasCowboys #CowboysNation pic.twitter.com/7miKpp1AO6
In other Cowboys news, defensive end Sam Williams didn't practice Thursday after he left Wednesday's practice with a turf toe.
It's not considered a serious injury, per Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News, but turf toe's are tricky and typically require a multi-week absence. Let's hope Williams avoided the worst and is back practicing next week in preparation for Week 1.
Speaking of which, Donovan Wilson was a limited participant Thursday. Wilson suffered a calf strain early in training camp, but shed his walking boot several weeks ago.
Mike McCarthy will update Wilson's Week 1 status on Monday, so stay tuned.