Jersey numbers in the NFL are like prized baseball cards—cherished, debated, and sometimes. Sometimes they’re passed on quicker than a halftime hot dog. The Dallas Cowboys, a franchise steeped in star-studded legacy, just handed No. 90 to a new owner faster than you can say “How ‘bout them Cowboys?” And just like that, an era ended.

Cue the sound of a record scratch. Demarcus Lawrence’s farewell message hit social media like a Troy Aikman spiral—raw, heartfelt, and loaded with subtext. The man who anchored Dallas’ defense for 11 seasons didn’t just leave. He left with a mic drop, a feud, and a fresh Seahawks jersey. But the Cowboys? They didn’t waste a breath.

A Number’s New Home: Solomon Thomas Steps Into No. 90

The ink on Lawrence’s Seattle contract hadn’t even dried before the Cowboys reassigned his iconic No. 90. Newcomer Solomon Thomas, a defensive lineman with Stanford roots, now claims the digits. For a team that’s seen legends like Charles Haley and DeMarcus Ware rock No. 94, retiring numbers isn’t their style. Lawrence’s 61.5 sacks and four Pro Bowls? Legendary, but not enough to freeze his number in time.

Thomas, who last wore No. 94 with the Jets, now inherits a digit synonymous with Lawrence’s relentless edge rushes. The move feels like swapping out a vintage Mustang for a sleek new truck—practical, but tinged with nostalgia. Thomas’s résumé?

Dallas Cowboys DL Solomon Thomas (@SollyThomas90) is wearing number 90. Last assigned to DeMarcus Lawrence. #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/kf7z9vQ4PJ

— NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) March 18, 2025

Solid, if unspectacular: 204 career tackles, 17.5 sacks, and a hunger to prove himself. However, filling Lawrence’s shoes? That’s like stepping into Roger Staubach’s cleats. Good luck! But Thomas isn’t the only one sporting fresh digits.

Running back Javonte Williams grabs No. 33, once worn by controversial NFL figure Timmy Smith. Meanwhile, Dante Fowler snags No. 3, a number Brandin Cooks owned for two seasons. The message is clear: In Dallas, numbers live on, even when legends don’t.

So why the haste? Maybe it’s the Cowboys’ unspoken rule: Keep the star shining, no matter the cost. Or maybe it’s a subtle nod to Lawrence’s parting shots. Either way, the jersey carousel spins on. But let’s rewind.

From Fiery Feud to Fond Farewell: Lawrence’s Emotional Exit

Days before his heartfelt goodbye, Lawrence lit a match. “I know for sure I’m not gonna win a Super Bowl there,” he said about Dallas. Micah Parsons, fired back on social media: “This what rejection and envy look like! This some clown s—.” Lawrence clapped back, but the damage was done. A decade of loyalty overshadowed by a 280-character spat. Then came Saturday.

Demarcus Lawrence’s farewell message dripped with Texas-sized emotion. “I never truly believed that the day would come when I would go and sign with another team,” he wrote. He thanked fans, Jerry Jones, and the “incredible organization,” calling Dallas home while embracing Seattle’s “12s.”

“This is not the end of my life as a Dallas Cowboy or North Texas resident, but it is a new beginning and chapter for me and my family. I hope you hold us in your prayers and wish us well on our next journey, and we will see you soon. 90 out!” He further added to cap off the emotional outburst. It was a classy pivot, a nod to the fans who’d cheered his 11-year grind. However, the sting lingered.

#90 Out. pic.twitter.com/EOqLrhrIV4

— DeMarcus Lawrence (@TankLawrence) March 15, 2025

Lawrence’s exit mirrors Emmitt Smith’s 2003 departure—a legend chasing a ring elsewhere. For Cowboys fans, it’s a familiar ache. The ’90s dynasty feels like yesterday, but the Lombardi Trophy drought? That’s a lifetime. Lawrence’s words cut deep because they’re true.

Now, Seattle gains a warrior with unfinished business. Dallas? They’re betting on youth like Micah Parsons and Osa Odighizuwa. The Cowboys’ defensive line isn’t the same without Lawrence’s fire, but as any Texan knows—you don’t rebuild fences; you reinforce ’em.

The Parting Call

Demarcus Lawrence’s farewell message was a love letter and a reality check. His jersey may belong to Solomon Thomas now, but his legacy? That’s etched in Cowboys lore. For Dallas, it’s another chapter in a saga where stars rise, numbers recycle, and Super Bowl dreams flicker like a Friday night stadium light.

Lawrence heads west, chasing glory in Seahawks blue. The Cowboys? They’ll keep swinging, fueled by fresh faces and old-school grit. After all, in the NFL, endings are just beginnings with a different number. How ‘bout them Cowboys?