Ronald Darby is on his way out of Philadelphia, but his number will remain in the starting lineup after Jalen Mills announced he was switching jerseys.
The Eagles new hybrid defender resigned with the team in free agency and then promptly used the late Kobe Bryant and LeBron James as motivation for switching numbers as he embarks on a “new beginning.”
“Like LeBron and Kobe did, I’m recreating myself.”
Mills is switching from No. 31, which he wore for his first four seasons, to No. 21.
During a conference call, Mills gave more insight into the switch.
“The number change is just a new beginning,” Mills said Tuesday on a conference call. “One of the guys who always motivated me was a Kobe Bryant or a LeBron James. You see Kobe went from 8 to 24, LeBron went from 6 to 23, and I think it’s just recreating myself, recreating that ‘Green Goblin,’ that monster. It’s a new position, it’s a new field, it’s going to be new energy.”
Mills referenced the change on his Instagram page.
Bryant, who passed away in a helicopter crash in January, wore No. 8 from 1997 through 2006.
Bryant switched numbers in 2006, wearing No. 24 until his retirement.
James began his career in No. 23 with Cleveland, then switched to No. 6 when he left for the Miami Heat and switched back to No. 23 when he returned to Cleveland.
James continues to wear No. 23 with the Lakers, but will likely switch numbers again after he gives the number to Anthony Davis.
Mills re-signed with the Eagles on a one-year deal and will now transition to the role of a Minkah Fitzpatrick, playing cornerback, safety and whatever else the Eagles will need.
