FSU Transfer Linebacker Embraces Legendary Number 10

Chris Jones will wear the same number as Seminoles great Derrick Brooks.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 4:49pm

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Chris Jones, a junior linebacker who transferred to Florida State from Southern Miss, has chosen to wear the number 10 jersey - the same number worn by Seminoles legend Derrick Brooks. Jones says it's an honor to wear the number of one of the greatest players in FSU history, and he wants to uphold the standard set by Brooks during his legendary career.

Why it matters

Wearing the number 10 jersey at Florida State carries a lot of weight and significance, as it was worn by Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks, one of the greatest players in program history. Jones' decision to embrace that legacy shows his respect for FSU's storied past and his desire to live up to the high standard set by Brooks.

The details

Jones, who had 135 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and an interception last season at Southern Miss, says he was originally going to be given a different number when he arrived at FSU. But when he learned number 10 was available, he jumped at the chance to wear the same jersey as Brooks, one of his idols. Brooks was a 4-year starter at Florida State, earning 3 first-team All-ACC selections, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year award in 1993, and consensus All-American honors in 1993 and 1994 before being drafted in the 1st round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

  • Chris Jones transferred to Florida State from Southern Miss this past offseason.
  • Derrick Brooks played for Florida State from 1991 to 1994, helping the Seminoles win their first national championship in 1993.

The players

Chris Jones

A junior linebacker who transferred to Florida State from Southern Miss, where he was one of the top tacklers in the FBS last season.

Derrick Brooks

A Hall of Fame linebacker who played at Florida State from 1991 to 1994, earning multiple All-American honors and helping the Seminoles win their first national title in 1993 before being drafted in the 1st round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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What they’re saying

“Derrick Brooks, he wore number 10 here, and that's a big number here. And I respect that number because in my opinion, the number should be retired.”

— Chris Jones, Florida State Linebacker (si.com)

“He's one of the greatest of all time. One of the guys I watch. So it's an honor to wear that number, and I want to uphold the standard wearing that number, especially because of who wore it here. Derrick Brooks.”

— Chris Jones, Florida State Linebacker (si.com)

What’s next

Jones will look to build on his strong 2022 season at Southern Miss and continue the legacy of greatness associated with the number 10 jersey at Florida State.

The takeaway

Chris Jones' decision to wear the iconic number 10 jersey at Florida State, previously worn by legendary linebacker Derrick Brooks, shows his respect for the program's storied history and his desire to live up to the high standard set by one of the all-time Seminoles greats.