Makai Lemon Reveals He'll Wear Former Eagles Star's Jersey Number
The Philadelphia Eagles are hoping for big things from USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, whom they added to their roster as the No. 20 pick in this month’s NFL Draft.
It kicked the speculation up regarding veteran receiver A.J. Brown, whom many believe is as good as gone via trade by early June. However, Lemon comes in with 137 receptions for 2,008 yards and 14 touchdowns after three seasons of college football, making a strong case for him as a boost to the Eagles’ receiving corps.
Amid all the speculation and noise, Lemon appeared at a press conference to answer reporters’ questions. Among them, he was asked about the important matter of which jersey he plans to wear in his rookie season, given a conflict between his college number, six, and teammate DeVonta Smith already wearing it for the Eagles.
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"I definitely settled on a jersey number. It’s gonna be nine," Lemon told reporters, adding, "Appreciate the Eagles so much and Nick Foles especially to pass that number down, because I know he could’ve easily kept that number to himself. Such a great player when he was here, led them to the Super Bowl."
No active Eagles player has worn the number since Foles’ days on the roster. Foles played for the Eagles from 2012 to 2014 and then again from 2017 to 2018.
With starting quarterback Carson Wentz injured before the playoffs in late 2017, Foles took over and led the team to its first Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl LII.
Jersey numbers typically mean a lot to players, with some giving them extra significance and becoming attached to specific numbers in their playing days before going pro.
Lemon previously joked he would offer his new teammate, Smith, money so he could use the same No. 6 he wore in college. According to NBC Sports on Thursday, he signed an estimated rookie deal worth a bit over $20.8 million in fully guaranteed money, which includes an $11.5 million-plus signing bonus.
Instead, he has nine, which technically is a six when it’s turned around, so it seems there won’t be any drama involving jersey numbers, and the Eagles’ rookie can focus on showing his new team what he’s capable of on the football field.
“I’ll represent the nine well. I’ll represent the team well. I’m just super excited to get that number, for sure,” Lemon said.
Fans are hoping he can live up to the expectations on him, as Foles’ time wearing that number in Philly is tied to a memorable moment from franchise history with the team’s first Super Bowl win.
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This story was originally published April 30, 2026 at 1:50 PM.