Jaire Alexander takes Jersey NO. 23 At Baltimore Ravens

In the world of professional football, a jersey number can mean much more than just a spot on the roster. For some, it’s a tribute. For others, it’s a brand. For Jaire Alexander, the All-Pro cornerback of the Green Bay Packers, jersey No. 23 isn’t just a number — it’s a symbol of identity, intent, and intensity. This offseason, the star defensive back officially confirmed what many fans had speculated for weeks: he will don the iconic No. 23 jersey full-time for the 2025 season, aligning his image, legacy, and mindset with a number that already holds a deep place in sports history.

For those unfamiliar with the significance, No. 23 is revered across sports for its legendary association with greatness. From Michael Jordan’s dominance on the basketball court to LeBron James’ ongoing reign, the number has become a badge of elite performance and unwavering confidence. For Jaire Alexander, it represents a fusion of old-school swagger and new-school fire — a fitting combination for one of the NFL’s most feared and flamboyant cornerbacks.

“I’ve always been inspired by greatness,” Alexander said in a recent interview. “Growing up, I watched MJ highlights every day. Not just because he was the best, but because of the way he carried himself. That confidence. That edge. That belief that no one was better. That’s what 23 means to me. And I feel like now’s the time to truly own it.”

Alexander is no stranger to the number. He wore No. 10 during his college days at Louisville, where he rose from an unheralded recruit into a first-round draft pick. When he arrived in Green Bay in 2018, No. 23 was available, and he adopted it quietly, without fanfare. But as his stature in the league grew — through lockdown coverage, highlight-reel interceptions, and Pro Bowl nods — so did his presence. Now, after seven seasons, the number has become synonymous with his name, his style, and his impact.

This season, however, marks the first time Alexander has fully leaned into the brand potential of No. 23. A new partnership with Adidas will roll out an exclusive “J23” cleat line, along with matching gloves and limited-edition apparel — all in black, green, and gold, with subtle nods to Jordan’s aesthetic. The campaign tagline, “Coverage is Key,” doubles as both a football reference and a lifestyle mantra. It’s a bold move that signals Alexander’s intent to build his image beyond the gridiron, while still rooted in what he does best.

And make no mistake — he’s still one of the best. Despite battling nagging injuries in 2023 and missing five games, Alexander bounced back in 2024 with a vengeance. He posted 58 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 17 passes defensed while routinely shadowing the opposing team’s best receiver. His return to form was a critical reason why the Packers defense climbed into the top five league-wide in pass defense and helped Green Bay earn another playoff berth.

More than the stats, it’s the attitude that defines Jaire. On the field, he’s a relentless talker, a technician, and a tactician. He studies film obsessively, memorizes route concepts, and prides himself on recognizing quarterback tendencies before the ball is snapped. Teammates often talk about how he’ll call out what the offense is running before it happens — and then blow up the play, all while chirping in the ear of whoever dared challenge him.

“He’s got that competitive energy that doesn’t turn off,” said Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. “And now with the No. 23 spotlight, he’s embracing the idea that he’s not just playing the part — he’s defining it.”

Embracing that role goes beyond swagger. Alexander has increasingly stepped into a leadership position in the Packers’ locker room. After the departure of veteran safety Adrian Amos and the emergence of several younger players in the secondary, Alexander became the emotional tone-setter for the defense. He’s been more vocal in film sessions, more present in position meetings, and more engaged in mentoring rookies — including first-round pick Keyon Wallace, who’s been seen regularly working out with Alexander this summer.

“Jaire doesn’t have to say much to teach,” Wallace said after minicamp. “He’ll just pull me aside and be like, ‘Don’t bite on that release. Watch his eyes, not his feet.’ And then next play, it works exactly how he said. It’s crazy.”

That blend of wisdom and confidence is what’s making Alexander not just an elite cornerback, but a cornerstone of the Packers’ future. Head coach Matt LaFleur has made it clear that Jaire is part of the team’s long-term vision, both on and off the field. “We trust him,” LaFleur said. “He’s the kind of guy you build around. Not just because he’s talented — because he wants to win, he holds himself accountable, and he makes people around him better.”

Part of that accountability comes from how seriously Alexander approaches his preparation. While many associate No. 23 with flair and highlight plays, Jaire has always made clear that his greatness is rooted in discipline. During the offseason, he trains in Arizona with a personal performance coach, emphasizing mobility, recovery, and situational reaction drills. He’s even taken up yoga and Pilates to improve core strength and prevent injury — a nod to the evolution of modern athletes who understand that longevity requires more than just lifting weights and running sprints.

“I want to play ten more years at a high level,” Alexander said. “And that means treating my body like it’s part of the playbook. I’m smarter now. I train smarter. I recover smarter. That’s how you wear a number like 23 and live up to it.”

Off the field, Alexander has grown into a fan favorite in Wisconsin. Whether it’s through his charity work with local youth programs, his involvement in literacy campaigns, or his impromptu locker room dance sessions posted to social media, he’s become one of the faces of the franchise — and someone the community has embraced fully. This fall, he plans to host his second annual “Strap Season” youth football camp in Milwaukee, a free event aimed at teaching kids the fundamentals of DB play, along with lessons on self-confidence and accountability.

“Kids don’t just want to know how to backpedal,” Alexander said. “They want to know how to be seen, how to believe in themselves. I was that kid once — quiet, overlooked, misunderstood. Football gave me a voice. I want to pass that on.”

And now, that voice has a number — 23 — that speaks volumes before he ever opens his mouth. For Alexander, it’s not about living in the shadow of those who wore it before. It’s about creating a new definition. One built on lockdown defense, relentless preparation, and unapologetic belief in one’s abilities.

As training camp nears, expectations are high for Alexander and the Packers defense. With a young, ascending pass rush and a retooled secondary, the potential is there for Green Bay to field one of the most complete units in the NFC. Alexander knows the margin for error is slim. But he also knows this is the window. He’s 28, in his prime, and determined to not just make noise, but to make history.

“I don’t want to just be remembered as a good corner,” he said. “I want to be remembered as one of the best to ever do it. Period. And when people see 23 on my back, I want them to know what that means. Not just talk — legacy.”

Whether that legacy includes another Pro Bowl, All-Pro honors, or a deep playoff run remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Jaire Alexander is stepping fully into the light — and into a number that demands greatness.

And based on everything we’ve seen so far, he’s more than ready for the moment.