CeeDee Lamb called Michael Irvin about wearing No. 88

CeeDee Lamb is carrying on the tradition of being a big-time wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys wearing jersey number 88. And he is not taking that responsibility lightly.

Lamb wore numbers nine and two at Oklahoma, but he had his choice of jersey with the Cowboys after being taken No. 17 overall in the draft. He initially picked jersey No. 10 but then switched to 88.

Lamb talked about the number during an interview with 105.3 The Fan’s “G-Bag Nation” on Thursday.

“I had the option of picking of 10 or 88, and then I picked 10,” Lamb told the hosts. “Then I kind of went more in-depth, understanding the situation and tradition, and how much (88) means to the organization. And the great legends and what they’ve with that number, it’s kind of like, why not keep the tradition going? Just trying to keep the legacy of 88 going in Dallas.”

There was talk that Jerry Jones was pushing Lamb to wear the number, which would make sense considering Jones is more acutely aware of the significance of the number. Franchise stud wide receivers Drew Pearson, Michael Irvin, and Dez Bryant have all worn it.

Lamb eventually chose 88 and says he talked to “The Playmaker” about it.

“I called Mike Irvin right before everything got announced. We talked about the tradition and the respect I have for him and that number, and how much of an edge he’s given me while wearing that number … how much of a goal and dream that I have … when I look down and see 88, it’s kind of a reminder. When I see 88, it’s going to remind me of who wore it before me.”

Lamb had 62 catches for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns at Oklahoma last season. He should fare well in Dallas’ offense. And the Cowboys know how lucky they were to land him.