Terrel Bernard has a new number on his paycheck and on his jersey. He’ll no longer be TB43.

The Buffalo Bills linebacker and defensive captain is switching from No. 43 to No. 8.

Bernard, who had worn No. 43 since Buffalo selected him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, will take the digit vacated by former punter Sam Martin.

Through 2020, linebackers were allowed to wear Nos. 40-59 and 90-99. The NFL approved a rule change in 2021 to permit greater flexibility and linebackers can now choose between Nos. 0-59 and 90-99.

It’s not the only eight significant to Bernard. He signed a four-year, $42 million contract extension on March 7 which will keep him with the Buffalo Bills for his first eight NFL seasons.

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Bernard appeared in 16 games with 22 tackles as a rookie in 2022. He replaced free agent departure Tremaine Edmunds as the starting middle linebacker in 2023 and finished with a team-leading 143 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 3 interceptions and 3 fumble recoveries. He was the first player in the league since 1991 with at least six sacks, three interceptions and three fumble recoveries in a season.

Bernard joined quarterback Josh Allen as the only two Bills captains in 2024 and the leader of the defense recorded 104 tackles, 1 sack, 2 interceptions and 1 fumble recovery in 13 games. Bernard is tied for second among linebackers with five interceptions over the last two seasons.

Bernard wore Nos. 2 and 26 in his college career at the Baylor University. He was named Sugar Bowl MVP in 2022.

Martin wore No. 8 for the Bills since 2022. Martin was released by Buffalo on March 6 to create about $2 million in salary cap space.