Jersey numbers typically carry a lot of weight for athletes. They’re often a defining characteristic in a player’s career, with their success and impact tied to the number they are associated with.
On most teams, this comes on an individual basis.
But it’s different with the Dallas Cowboys.
The organization has a distinguished Hall of Honor, but it does not officially retire jersey numbers, meaning digits can be passed down generation to generation.
Sometimes players are dealt a legend’s number and don’t live up to it. At the wide receiver position, however, No. 88 has become a tradition of excellence in the silver and blue.
The number has been worn by Hall of Famers Drew Pearson and Michael Irvin along with former All-Pro Dez Bryant – three of the best receivers in franchise history.
In 2020, CeeDee Lamb was passed the torch, and he carries it proudly.
At this week’s Fanatics Fest in New York City, two members of the “No. 88 Club” reunited in Bryant and Lamb. CeeDee also took part in a Q&A panel with comedian Keegan-Michael Key and fellow NFL stars.
Key asked Lamb about what it means to be a part of the Cowboys’ unique receiver fraternity.
“Legacy.” Lamb said. “Those guys before me and the things they’ve done in that jersey number obviously holds me to higher standard. Raises the bar a little bit.”
Lamb has undoubtedly met that standard. In 2023, he put together perhaps the best wide receiver season in franchise history with a Cowboys single-season record in receptions (135) and yards (1,749).
CeeDee, being the youngest member of the group, talked about how he has maintained a relationship with his fellow 88s. The brotherhood makes him remember that his on-field accomplishments represent something greater than himself.
“I’m not just wearing a jersey for myself, but obviously everybody else in between,” Lamb said.
“I hope I’m making them proud right now.”
Lamb enters his sixth season in 2025 and has already made numerous dents in the Cowboys’ all-time receiving record book.
He ranks fourth in career receptions with 496. He passed Pearson last season and is on pace to pass Bryant and Irvin this year to jump to second on the list.
Lamb ranks seventh in career receiving yards with 6,339 and ninth in receiving touchdowns with 38 in Cowboys history.
He hasn’t caught all of his peers yet, but he’s doing more than enough to honor their legacy and build his own in the “No. 88 Club”.
