Christian Wilkins sported the No. 42 jersey at Clemson and certainly left a strong legacy with those digits following a highly decorated and successful career as a Tiger.
That number carries a special meaning to Wilkins, who was a three-time All-ACC selection and three-time All-American during his four years at Clemson (2015-18).
The current Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman discussed why he chose to wear No. 42 at Clemson and explained the significance of that number to him during an appearance on the Third and Long podcast hosted by Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead.
“Very special meaning to me,” Wilkins said. “So my grandfather, the person I loved most in this world – we talk about emulating people, someone I tried to definitely emulate and be like and carry on his spirit – he was tragically killed in 2011. He was born in 1942, so that always became like a thing for me just to kind of honor him and carry on his legacy and wear No. 42 for him, just as like an extra oomph, extra little added motivation.
“Anytime I’m tired, anytime I’m going through something, every time I’m doing whatever, I just look down there at that number, and that was my ‘why’ and what allowed me to remember why I was doing it.”
Wilkins wore the No. 94 with the Miami Dolphins, and that’s the number he’ll continue to have with the Las Vegas Raiders after signing a four-year deal with the team when free agency began in March.
Wilkins is full of passion and tenacity on the football field. It’s easy to see he plays with a deeper meaning, and even though his jersey no longer has the No. 42 on it, he still tries to carry on his grandfather’s legacy in different ways.
“Even like signing a football, I still sign everything 42, just because that’s just what it is and a way to honor him in a little way,” Wilkins said.
A two-time national champion at Clemson, Wilkins enters his first year in Vegas having racked up 355 tackles (43 for loss) and 20.5 sacks across his five seasons with the Dolphins (2019-23) after being selected by Miami in the first round (13th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft.
A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available. Get yours while supplies last! Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!
