Antonio Johnson switching numbers this year is much more than just a simple change.

The Jacksonville Jaguars' safety traded his old number 26 for number 6 to honor his younger brother, Jaylon McKenzie, who was killed on May 4, 2019. McKenzie was killed after leaving a post-prom party by a stray bullet. Yet another innocent victim of senseless gun violence. He was 14 years old and only in eighth grade.

Johnson and McKenzie were inseparable. Johnson finally has gotten the opportunity to make the number change after years of "6" belonging to someone else. 

Now Johnson gets to wear the same number that his little brother wore for his middle school team.

Speaking to Ryan O'Halloran of The Florida Times-Union during practice last week, Johnson talked about making the switch.

“I never had the opportunity to wear No. 6 before so when I had the chance, I took it," Johnson said. “He was my guy. He played ball, too, and he was an up-and-coming star. For sure, he was going to do good things." 

Like Johnson, McKenzie was also a football star. He was clearly following in his brother's footsteps and had his entire future in front of him. Playing wide receiver, running back, and defensive back, McKenzie had scholarship offers from Missouri and Illinois before he even reached high school, according to his mother, Sukeena Gunner.

His death reverberated throughout the St. Louis area, with over 1,000 people attending his funeral. Former NFL star running back Ezekiel Elliott helped to pay for the service.

About five weeks after the shooting, an arrest was made. 

On Nov. 28, 2023, Maurice Dickerson pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated discharge of a firearm. Two other men were charged in September 2020 and April 2021, respectively, and pleaded guilty after being found to be in the car with Dickerson.

Coming into the NFL as a fifth-round draft pick, Johnson did not have an opportunity to pick his number, rather having the number 26 assigned to him. Darnell Savage chose #6 when he was signed in 2024. Even though he was released early on, players are not allowed to switch numbers during the season.

A month later, Jacksonville traded for Greg Newsome, who took the number before Johnson ever had a chance to. After Newsome left in free agency, Johnson jumped at the chance and immediately made several phone calls to request number 6, which was granted. Johnson was finally able to wear McKenzie's number. Before his first practice wearing his new jersey, Johnson made a point to look in the mirror before leaving the locker room. It was a special moment, which he explained to O'Halloran.

“I took a picture and sent it to my people,” he said. “It was a different feeling for sure. I always felt (McKenzie) was with me, but I felt him directly when I put the jersey on, like he was smiling back at me.

“I feel his presence every time I put this jersey on. I will always carry his legacy with me.”

O'Halloran also asked Johnson to share his favorite moment with Jaylon.

“I have so many memories,” Johnson said. “The favorite one is of us just chilling every day after school. I would drive around, and we go to the park and play basketball, we would train together, and just laugh and joke around. He was my little dawg. We did everything together.”

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