Commanders' defender says ChatGPT helped him choose jersey number

What number will new Washington Commanders safety Nick Cross wear in 2026? The 24-year-old Maryland native, who grew up as a Redskins fan in Prince George's County, Maryland, wore No. 20 during his first four NFL seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.

Fourth-year defensive back Quan Martin wears that number for the Commanders. Cross could go back to the number he wore in college, No. 3, but veteran starting safety Will Harris owns that number. Instead, Cross will wear a different number for the first time in his football career: No. 25.

In an interview with Kay Adams of "Up & Adams," Cross revealed he'll wear No. 25. He admitted he was still working on Harris to secure the No. 3 jersey, but instead will honor former Washington safety Ryan Clark, who played three seasons in Washington and is now an ESPN analyst.

"Right now, I'm wearing 25," Cross said. "My boy Quan got 20, Will Harris got 3. Still trying to work something out. But right now, I told my guy, RC, I was gonna wear 25."

Why 25?

"I still like the 20s, I think, as a bigger safety, the 20s fit better. Depending on the single digit, it can work, but if the single digit is too skinny, then, I'm a little broader of a guy, so it's like the single digit can stretch too much."

Adams then asked Cross if he was a Clinton Portis fan. Cross acknowledged he was a huge fan of the legendary Washington running back as a kid. Portis wore No. 26, which running back Jeremy McNichols wears now, but Cross likes 25 better, especially after asking ChatGPT to put him in the No. 25 in the "AI jersey swap."