Cowboys Country

Former Cowboys defender puts Dallas on blast for uniform decision

The Dallas Cowboys handed out an elite number to a new player, which might not go over well.
Randy Gurzi|
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

In this story:

Dallas Cowboys | News, Scores, Schedules & Standings

On Friday, it was revealed that the Dallas Cowboys gave their newest lineman an interesting jersey number. Saahdiq Charles, who ended a brief one-year retirement to join the Cowboys, was issued No. 77.

That raised eyebrows since the number belonged to former All-Pro Tyron Smith, who proudly wore that jersey for 13 seasons. The Cowboys don't retire jersey numbers, but that doesn't make it any easier to see Smith's number handed out, especially since he only announced his retirement on Wednesday.

MORE: Cowboys urged to trade back for Big 12 star wide receiver

Smith isn't likely someone who will say anything about Charles getting his number, but his teammates will speak up for him. That was the case with former Cowboy Jourdan Lewis, who took to social media to put the team on blast for the decision.

Lewis, who spent eight years in Dallas, signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason.

Dallas Cowboys tackle Tyron Smith on the field before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Dallas Cowboys tackle Tyron Smith on the field before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles. | Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

To highlight the respect Smith commands, Lewis didn't make a sound when his number was taken by former teammate Juanyeh Thomas. He did, however, feel the need to point out that Smith's number shouldn't have been given out, at least not this quickly.

Dallas might not officially retire jerseys, but they don't give out No. 8 in honor of Troy Aikman, No. 12 for Roger Staubach, No. 22 for Emmitt Smith, and No. 74 for Bob Lilly. Smith might not have won a Super Bowl as those players did, but he's one of the best tackles to ever suit up for Dallas.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI —

Cowboys land perfect running mate for CeeDee Lamb in new NFL mock draft

Watch Tyron Smith's emotional Cowboys retirement press conference

Cowboys named ideal NFL Draft fit for RB with ‘vastly superior’ talent

Jerry Jones makes major announcement for Cowboys legends Tyron Smith, Zack Martin

Meet Sophy Laufer: Star of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Netflix doc

Published
Randy Gurzi
RANDY GURZI

Randy Gurzi is a graduate of Arizona State and has focused on NFL coverage since 2014.

Home/News