ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- As the Michigan Wolverines opened their spring football practice on March 19, 2025, a notable change jumped out: edge rusher TJ Guy swapped his long-held jersey number 42 for the single-digit number 4. This shift not only signifies a personal milestone for Guy, but it also reflects a broader tradition within the Michigan football program that places great significance on such number changes.
Guy has sported number 42 since he was a freshman, building a reputation and a sense of identity around that number. However, the decision to transition to number 4 was prompted by head coach Sherrone Moore, who viewed the change as an opportunity for Guy to embrace the prestige that comes with wearing a single digit.
"Coach Moore asked me if I wanted a single digit. And I was kind of reluctant at first," Guy shared about the initial thoughts regarding his new number. "Because of what I built in the 42, it was special to me. It's still going to be special to me. But, it's a great honor when your head coach asks you if you want a single digit. So I took that with pride and I'm going to ride it out for this last year."
Wearing a single-digit number, especially for defensive linemen and edge rushers, is seen as an acknowledgment of skill and performance. In fact, both of Michigan's starting edge rushers from the previous season, Derrick Moore, who wears number 8, and Josaiah Stewart, who wears number 0, also sported single-digit numbers. This context adds an extra layer of significance to Guy's decision to switch, especially as a senior preparing to step into a starting role.
Reflecting on this transition, Guy remarked, "Single digit -- it's a big thing if you can earn a single digit I feel like. So Coach Moore presented me with the question and asked if I wanted it and I had to think about it for a while because I kind of built something with 42. But, you know, single-digit, last ride. I said, why not? Let's do it."
This mindset aligns well with the prevailing optimism echoing through the Michigan locker room as they dive into spring practice. A good performance from the Wolverines' defensive unit during their bowl game last season reportedly fostered a sense of confidence and momentum heading into the new year. The team, buoyed by this positive energy, seems eager to build upon the success they experienced.
As the sun rose over Ann Arbor on this spring practice day, excitement was palpable among players. Tight end Max Bredeson, wearing number 44, took a moment to energize the squad, underscoring the collective spirit and camaraderie as they prepared to face the rigors of the season ahead.
Following a season filled with highs and lows, expectations are high for the Wolverines, especially with players like TJ Guy stepping into pivotal roles wearing new numbers that symbolize their evolving identities. As they press on into the 2025 season, the Michigan football team, under the guidance of Coach Moore, is ready to operate with a fresh perspective, embracing both the past and the future.
In a tradition steeped in history, the significance of jersey numbers speaks volumes about a player's journey and their commitment to their craft. For Guy, the change is more than a number; it's a testament to his growth and a nod to the honor of leadership within the Michigan football program. As he laces up his new uniform, the hope among the team is tangible, with players fueled by ambitions of success and determination to prove their worth on the field this season.
