The Philadelphia Eagles' newest first-round sensation, Makai Lemon, has made headlines not just for his draft position, but for his choice of jersey number. Lemon will proudly sport the number 9, a jersey number previously associated with Eagles legend and Super Bowl MVP, Nick Foles. This decision marks an unofficial revival of the number, which had been out of circulation since Foles' departure. Lemon's enthusiastic adoption of the number, with the explicit approval of Foles, highlights a moment of continuity and respect within the team's history. His arrival also signifies a new chapter for the Eagles, as they integrate a highly touted wide receiver into their ranks.
Eagles' New Recruit Makai Lemon Inherits Foles' Legendary No. 9
On a recent Thursday, during the rookie minicamp, Makai Lemon, the Philadelphia Eagles' highly anticipated first-round draft pick, formally declared his intention to wear the number 9 jersey. This announcement brought an end to the unofficial retirement of the number, last donned by Nick Foles, the celebrated quarterback who led the Eagles to their inaugural Super Bowl championship in 2018, earning MVP honors. Lemon, speaking to the press, conveyed his profound appreciation for Foles' gracious consent:
“I’m incredibly grateful to the Eagles, and especially to Nick Foles, for allowing me to carry on the legacy of that number. He could have easily reserved it for himself. He was an exceptional player who wore the No. 9 and guided the team to a Super Bowl victory, and for that, I deeply respect him.”
“I will certainly cherish this honor and strive to represent the No. 9 with distinction… I’m simply overjoyed to receive this number.”
Foles, who spent five seasons with the Eagles across two stints, consistently wore the No. 9 throughout his tenure. His illustrious career culminated in 2024 with a ceremonial one-day contract with the Eagles, marking his official retirement from the NFL. The Eagles currently have nine officially retired jersey numbers, including prominent figures like Donovan McNabb (5), Brian Dawkins (20), and Reggie White (92). Lemon's journey to the Eagles was equally dramatic. He was chosen as the 20th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a result of the Eagles executing a shrewd trade to bypass the Pittsburgh Steelers, who were positioned at 21st. In a memorable moment from draft night, Lemon was actually engaged in a phone call with the Steelers when the Eagles contacted him to announce their selection. Lemon's college career at USC spanned three seasons, during which he distinguished himself as a top receiver, earning the prestigious Biletnikoff Award. He was widely recognized as one of the elite wide receiver prospects in the draft class, securing the fifth position on Yahoo Sports' comprehensive pre-draft board. Furthermore, Lemon's eagerness to join the Eagles was evident when he became the first of the first-round picks to finalize and sign his rookie contract on that same Thursday.
The narrative of Makai Lemon inheriting Nick Foles' iconic No. 9 jersey transcends a mere number change; it symbolizes a passing of the torch and the enduring spirit of the Philadelphia Eagles. This act of approval from a legendary figure like Foles not only bestows immense honor upon Lemon but also fosters a sense of continuity and tradition within the team. For Lemon, it's an opportunity to forge his own legacy while carrying the weight of past glories. For fans, it's a reminder of the team's rich history and a hopeful glimpse into a future where new stars emerge to write their own chapters. This gesture reinforces the idea that true greatness is not just about individual achievement but also about inspiring and empowering the next generation.
