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$104M 3x Pro Bowler returns to jersey he starred in before Cowboys
TL;DR
Kenny Clark returns to wearing No. 97 with the Cowboys after switching from No. 95. This change follows the trade of Osa Odighizuwa to San Francisco, marking a shift in the team's defensive identity.
Key points
- Kenny Clark switches from No. 95 to No. 97 with the Cowboys
- Clark previously wore No. 97 for nine seasons in Green Bay
- Osa Odighizuwa was traded to San Francisco, creating a jersey number opening
Kenny ClarkDallas CowboysGreen Bay PackersOsa Odighizuwa
The Cowboys continue the reshape their defensive identity heading into the 2026 season and one of their more symbolic changes comes through veteran defensive lineman Kenny Clark. After wearing No. 95 upon his arrival to Dallas as part of the Micah Parsons trade, Clark has made the switch to No. 97 — previously worn by the departed Osa Odighizuwa, who was shipped to San Francisco in exchange for a third-round pick, 92nd overall, in this week's upcoming NFL draft.
His exit not only created an opening along the defensive line, but it allowed for Clark, who wore No. 97 during his nine seasons in Green Bay and three years at UCLA, to go back to his old number.
A quick walk around the Star in Frisco confirms that Clark has indeed changed his number. That or either someone has made a major error by depicting Clark in the wrong jersey.
Clark's decision to adopt his old number signals more than just a cosmetic change but his growing role within the Cowboys organization and the new defensive leadership. While jersey numbers don't define performance, they often carry legacy weight.
Just over a year ago, Odighizuwa was viewed as a defensive centerpiece which earned him a four-year, $80 million contract with $58 million in guarantees after posting career highs is sacks (4.5), QB hits (23), and tackles (47) in 2024.
Today, Clark, a three-time Pro Bowl selection who has earned over $104 million in his career, is expected to take on a large yet different role in a new scheme under new defensive coordinator
Q&A
Why did Kenny Clark change his jersey number with the Cowboys?
Kenny Clark changed his jersey number to No. 97 to return to the number he wore during his nine seasons with the Green Bay Packers and at UCLA, following the trade of Osa Odighizuwa.
What impact does Kenny Clark's jersey number change have on the Cowboys' defense?
Clark's switch to No. 97 symbolizes his growing role within the Cowboys organization and reflects the team's reshaping of its defensive identity.
Who did the Cowboys trade to create an opening for Kenny Clark's jersey number change?
The Cowboys traded Osa Odighizuwa to San Francisco, which created the opportunity for Kenny Clark to wear his former number, No. 97.
