For 13 seasons, the No. 77 shirt was the fabric of the franchise. Tyron Smith wasn’t loud. He wasn’t flashy. But every Sunday, he locked down the left side like it was sacred ground. Drafted ninth overall in 2011, Smith became the anchor of the Dallas offensive line during one of the most successful lineman eras in team history. Two First-Team All-Pros, three Second-Team nods, eight Pro Bowls, and a spot on the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team — all without the theatrics.

Smith played with his head down and his game up. He protected Tony Romo’s blind side, paved lanes for DeMarco Murray and Zeke, and gave Dak Prescott the kind of confidence only a generational tackle can offer. Teammates raved about his work ethic. Opponents respected his power. DeMarcus Ware once joked that during Smith’s rookie camp, “One punch and I knew — this dude’s not normal.” For over a decade, the Cowboys could count on one thing: whoever was rushing, Tyron was handling it.

But all journeys end. Earlier this week, Smith officially retired a Cowboy, signing a one-day deal to cap off his Hall of Fame-worthy run. “It’s been an incredible journey. I’ve had the privilege to play alongside some of the best in the game, and I’m grateful for the support from my teammates and coaches throughout the years.” And with that, Tyron Smith signed off. For most of the fanbase, that meant #77 will retire as well.

A silent tribute to a player who never needed the spotlight to make an impact. Well, that’s what should have happened. But like we always say, ‘Welcome to the Jerry Jones Circus’ where the jersey will stay in circulation. And the first to wear it post-Tyron? That would be Saahdiq Charles. The guy who you might not even know of. That’s where the things get complicated.

Charles, a fourth-round pick in 2020 out of LSU, hasn’t played a single snap in over a year. His last appearance came in the 2023 season with the Washington Commanders, where he played in 11 games and started 10. Since then? Off the gridiron. Injuries and inconsistencies kept him off the field, and by the time 2024 wrapped, he hadn’t logged a single down. So, you can understand why giving him Tyron Smith’s number only adds more fuel.

Dallas sees it as disrespect to Tyron Smith’s legacy

You know that awkward moment when someone takes the last slice of pizza without asking? Yeah — that’s how Cowboys Nation felt watching Saahdiq Charles take No. 77 just two days after Tyron Smith officially retired. One fan went full interception-mode on Jerry Jones, asking, “What are you doing Jerry?” Can’t really blame ‘em.

Smith isn’t just any guy who showed up to work — the man anchored the Cowboys’ line for over a decade. Thirteen seasons, eight Pro Bowls, five All-Pro nods… and the jersey’s handed out like it’s a free giveaway at training camp? And before you say “it’s just a number,” let’s be real — this is football. Numbers matter. They’re tied to identity, legacy, even game strategy.

You see 77 in Dallas, you think, Tyron. Just like you see 12 and think, Brady. One fan hit the nail on the head with a double take of disbelief, writing: “The audacity. IT’S BEEN 2 DAYS. The audacity to ask for a number change to 77.” There’s weight behind those digits, especially in a league where linemen’s numbers are more than labels. That ain’t just cotton stitched on mesh — that’s years of blood, tape, and pancake blocks.

Even players couldn’t keep their jaws from hitting the turf. Cornerback Jourdan Lewis reacted with a simple: “Just like that, huh?” Short and sharp, but packed with meaning. Because let’s not forget — Charles hasn’t played a down in over a year. His last appearance was during the 2023 season for Washington. So when you go from Tyron Smith to a guy coming off 365+ days of inactivity, the optics get muddy fast.

At the end of the day, does Smith care? Probably not. But fans do — especially when it’s their Hall of Famer-in-waiting whose number is now back in circulation before his cleats even cool. The harshest blow, though, came from someone outside Cowboys Nation. Sometimes the most honest takes come from neutral zones, and this one stung: “I’m not a Cowboys fan but I feel like this is a d**k move by Jerry… Tyron is one of the greatest to suit up for ya franchise. Retire the number.”

For fans, it’s not about disrespecting Charles — it’s about honoring a guy who defined an era. In Dallas, Tyron Smith gave a whole new meaning to 77. One that Charles, most certainly, can never re-define.