When the Detroit Lions announced a wave of jersey number changes earlier this month, it wasn’t just a cosmetic tweak. It was a quiet tribute. Somewhere in that reshuffle, one of their most exciting young defenders ditched the No. zero for a bold No. 6, signaling not just a personal reset, but a nod to someone special. Meanwhile, the 18-year-old phenom they call “Hollywood Ryan”—Ryan Williams—soaked in some big-league lessons during an unforgettable link-up with his big bros. This was a fast, fun, and fearless room that included Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., Bak, and one very animated former Alabama lockdown CB.

That corner? None other than Terrion Arnold—TA3 to the fam. And in a hilarious and heartfelt sit-down on the “New Wave” podcast with Williams and WR Jaylen Mbakwe, he peeled back the curtain on everything: moving from Tallahassee heat to Detroit cold, transitioning to life in the NFL, and the chaotic nerves of draft day. Dre didn’t waste any time clowning on the weather transition. “I saw some TikToks—you at the gas station, bubble coat under the shoulder pad,” he said, laughing. TA3 fired back, “When I got drafted it was cold, but I was in the green room, so I mean… y’all was at the draft. That moment right there was really surreal for me. I wouldn’t even really worry about the cold… I was shaking.”

That’s when Bak jumped in, pushing his best friend to go deeper. “No, let’s talk about draft day. Talk about when they called your name, bro. Like, what was the process like?” Arnold Arnold didn’t hesitate. “Okay, actually, I’ma go ahead and give y’all the whole rundown,” he said, instantly flipping the vibe from funny to raw. “When we came out, everybody knows like—this goes for all Coach Saban’s former players or whatever—you know how hard Coach Saban hit on his players. So before you even start thinking about the draft, you already thinking like, ‘Yeah, I’m going to go seventh round.’ Just based on the feedback you get. That’s one thing about it.”

Arnold continued, offering a rare glimpse into the mental tug-of-war leading up to his decision to leave school. “Before I even decided to come out, I was just thinking about coming back to school. I didn’t want to leave. I’m like, man, I’m just gonna come back, get better, develop some more. You start talking with a couple agents, they like, ‘Dude, you a projected first-rounder.’ But that wasn’t really my mindset. The whole time I was at Bama, I was so dedicated. I was like, man, I gotta come back. I gotta win a natty. I gotta be a captain. That was my sole focus.”

Then came the gut punch. “When we lost to Michigan, that was crazy. That hurt. The only thing I’m thinking about is I’m out for blood. I’m out for vengeance. And then when I got to the hotel, I talked with my people. I was like, ‘Hey, prepare for that moment.’ And then when that moment finally presents itself, it’s like, ‘Dang, I don’t want to leave.’” That jersey switch? Yeah, TA3 did that for a reason. That No. 6 isn’t just a number. It’s a nod to a bond, maybe to the brotherhood.

Either way, it’s personal. A number change with meaning. From the zero that marked a fresh start in the league to the 6 that now carries a deeper weight, Terrion Arnold’s message was subtle but loud: he’s not just here to play; he’s here to represent. Meanwhile, “Hollywood” Williams wasn’t just there to listen—he was learning. The 6-foot Saraland superstar might be the most anticipated player in Alabama football’s future.

After the Tide’s 2025 A-Day practice at Bryant-Denny Stadium, AL.com counted over 230 fans in line for his autograph. The longest of the day. Possibly ever. Williams has the juice. The flash. The following. But what made this moment special was how he soaked up game from the guys who lived it. It was more than a podcast. It was a passing of the torch.

Terrion Arnold wears No. 6 to keep Khyree Jackson’s legacy alive

Sometimes, a number isn’t just a number—it’s a story, a bond, and a tribute. For Terrion Arnold, the jersey switch to No. 6 this season is all of that and more. The former Alabama star didn’t just choose that number on a whim. He chose it to honor his late teammate and friend. Khyree Jackson, who tragically passed away in a car accident on July 6, 2024.

“I wore 6 in high school, too,” Arnold shared. “And then we all know what happened to Khyree, and I just feel like just being able to honor his legacy and the impact that he had on me.” Arnold and Jackson locked down the secondary together at Bama during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Khyree rocked No. 6 before transferring to Oregon. Now, that number lives on through Arnold.

“When he showed up, it was, like, no dead moments when it came to football. The guy was a competitor, ultimate competitor,” Arnold said. “It’s kind of just that extra motivation when you look down and say, ‘Dang, man, I got on that 6 and my brother’s living through me.’” Arnold added, “Terrion ain’t forgot about Khyree.” And with No. 6 on his back, he never will.