On June 4, 2025, the Buffalo Bills officially welcomed back cornerback Dane Jackson, and this time, he dons the meaningful number 51 jersey. This number was previously worn by legend Micah Hyde, a two-time All-Pro who helped the Bills end a 17-year playoff drought in 2017, win four AFC East titles, and reach the AFC Championship game for the first time since 1993 in the 2020 season. Jackson’s permission to wear this number is not just a change in digits but a symbol of inheritance and the great expectations from fans and the team alike.
The Journey Back to Buffalo and the Decision to Choose Number 51
Dane Jackson, 28, was a seventh-round pick by the Bills in the 2020 NFL Draft. During his first four seasons with the team, he appeared in 52 games, starting 28. After a stint with the Carolina Panthers in the 2024 season, where he played 9 games (including 3 starts) before suffering a hamstring injury, Jackson returned to Buffalo with a one-year contract in March 2025.
Jackson’s return marks not only a new chapter in his career but also an emotional story tied to the number 51. Before deciding to wear this number, Jackson reached out to Micah Hyde, who retired in February 2025, to ask for his blessing. “It felt great,” Jackson shared. “I had to check with the big bro first.” This gesture reflects Jackson’s awareness of the significance of the number 51 to Bills fans and the legacy Hyde left behind.
The Legacy of Number 51 and the Pressure on Dane Jackson
The number 51 is more than just a number in Buffalo; it is tied to the team’s historic moments. Micah Hyde, who previously wore this number, is one of the most outstanding defensive players in the Bills’ recent history. With his versatility, sharp instincts on the field, and significant contributions to building the team’s defense, Hyde left an indelible mark.
Jackson’s choice of number 51 carries both honor and pressure. In the 2024 season with the Panthers, he wore number 23, a number previously associated with Bills legend Marshawn Lynch before Hyde took it. Now, with number 51, Jackson inherits not just a number but the expectation to perform with the same excellence as Hyde. “I’m hoping the new number brings the same luck it did for Hyde,” Jackson said, expressing his determination.
Jackson’s Role in the Bills’ Roster
Jackson’s return is seen as a strategic move by the Buffalo Bills to bolster their secondary, particularly at the cornerback position. With Rasul Douglas departing and Kaiir Elam traded to the Dallas Cowboys, the Bills need reliable players to fill the gaps in their defensive backfield. Jackson, with his experience and familiarity with head coach Sean McDermott’s system, is expected to serve as a key backup and potentially compete for a starting role alongside Christian Benford.
While some analysts suggest that relying on Jackson as a primary cornerback could be risky, his experience with the Bills and understanding of the team’s tactics make him a logical choice. Additionally, with the Bills expected to add more cornerbacks through the 2025 NFL Draft, Jackson could take on a mentorship role, helping rookies integrate into the team.
Expectations and the Future
Dane Jackson’s return and his choice of the number 51 have sparked excitement among the Bills’ fanbase. On social media, many expressed support for this decision, viewing it as a continuation of Micah Hyde’s legacy. A post on X from the account @BillsFans_ wrote: “Dane Jackson is back and proudly wearing the number of a beloved former Bill.”
With his talent, respect for the team’s history, and determination to prove himself, Dane Jackson stands at the threshold of an opportunity to not only inherit the number 51 but also build his own legacy in Buffalo. Can he replicate the “luck” that this number once brought to Hyde? Only time will tell. For now, Bills fans are hoping that Jackson will deliver memorable moments in the red, white, and blue.