Notre Dame Football: Jaylon Smith must really love the No. 9
By Brad Weiss
Former Notre Dame football star Jaylon Smith is making the move back to No. 9, a move that is certainly going to come at a price.
During his time with the Notre Dame Football program, linebacker Jaylon Smith was all over the field sporting his No. 9 jersey. Smith, who was a 2019 Pro Bowler for the Dallas Cowboys, is one of the Cowboys’ top jersey sales, so turning to a new number is not only a big change but a big hit to the wallet.
According to Todd Archer from ESPN, with Smith going to go back to his No. 9 with the Dallas Cowboys, it is a move that is going to come at a big price. Archer stated that he may have to pay in the mid-six figures to buy up all the No. 54 merchandise, so he must really love the No. 9.
Notre Dame Football to Cowboys star
A five-star recruit coming out of high school, and ranked as the No. 3 player overall, Smith was as good as advertised in South Bend. Smith became one of the more dominant players in the country playing linebacker for the Irish, becoming an All-American, and winning the Dick Butkus Award.
Twice Smith racked up over 100 tackles, and across his three seasons, had over 24 tackles for a loss.
Unfortunately, his career in South Bend ended with an injury, as he tore up his knee against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Fiesta Bowl. Considered a high first-round pick before the injury, Smith fell to the second round, where the Dallas Cowboys were waiting with open arms at pick No. 54.
As a rookie, Smith obviously did not play, but after playing all 16 games, making six starts in 2017, he has been a constant in the lineup for the Cowboys.
Despite starting his career with an injury, Smith has not missed a game the Cowboys over the last three seasons, starting all 48 games from 2018 through the 2020 campaign. He has become a leader on the Dallas defense, and in 2021, he will try and help the Cowboys get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2018, but this time rocking a high-priced No. 9.