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The Philadelphia Eagles believe they have another dynamic weapon that can help them return to the Super Bowl.
Wide receiver Makai Lemon, the Eagles’ first-round pick, chose a jersey number synonymous with victory in Philadelphia, and that’s all fans are thinking about Thursday at rookie minicamp.
Lemon will wear the number 9, becoming the first player since Nick Foles to do so. Foles needs no introduction to those who sing “Fly, Eagles, Fly” at the top of their lungs: He’s a true sports hero who helped the team win its first Vince Lombardi Trophy during the 2017 season.
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Super Bowl-winning quarterback Nick Foles gave Philadelphia Eagles first-round pick Makai Lemon his blessing to wear No. 9 to begin his career. (GETTY)
The number may not have been retired, but Foles gave Lemon his blessing anyway. Lemon appreciated the sentiment.
“I really appreciate the Eagles and Nick Foles, especially, for passing on that number because I know he could have easily kept it to himself,” Lemon told reporters Thursday at rookie minicamp, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia.
“A great player when he was here wearing that No. 9, he took them to the Super Bowl. I appreciate it a lot. I definitely appreciate it a lot, and I’ll represent the No. 9 well, wearing it. I’ll represent the team well. I’m very excited to get that number, for sure.”
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The Eagles haven’t handed out a No. 9 since Foles left after the 2018 season. But Foles and Lemon spoke on the phone, and the former told the latter it was his if he wanted it.
“He wanted to pass that number, he wanted to talk to me before anyone told me,” Lemon added. “I appreciate it and look forward to meeting him soon when he’s in the building.”
The Eagles were originally picking 23rd overall in this year’s NFL Draft, but when they saw Lemon fall down the draft board, they called up the 20th pick via trade, and general manager Howie Roseman was quick to tell Lemon the good news.
Southern California’s Makai Lemon poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected 20th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on April 23, 2026. (Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images)
In fact, a fiasco occurred on draft night when the Pittsburgh Steelers, owners of the 21st pick and hosts of this year’s draft outside their Acrisure Stadium, were already on the phone with Lemon to inform him that they would be taking him with their pick. The Steelers, however, were unaware that the Eagles had made a trade in front of them to land the talented USC Trojans star, who won the Biletnikoff Award in 2025 as the top receiver in college football.
Lemon wore No. 6 while at USC, but another Eagles first-round pick they traded for, DeVonta Smith, already sports that number in green and black. Smith didn’t like the change, so Lemon went for the lowest possible number after that.
The number 9 was available, but behind it was sacred Eagles history. Still, Lemon said it was a team suggestion to potentially go with No. 9.
With trade rumors still swirling around Eagles Pro Bowl receiver AJ Brown, it’s unknown exactly what role Lemon will play in a new offense for the club this season. Kevin Patullo was fired this offseason, paving the way for Sean Mannion to accept the offensive coordinator role.
Makai Lemon of the USC Trojans speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, on February 27, 2026. (Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
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But Lemon has proven to be a versatile receiver, whether throwing contested deep throws or creating separation on short and intermediate routes for potential big gains.
Lemon’s junior season with the Trojans in 2025 led to All-American recognition, with 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns on 79 receptions in 12 games.
