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The Philadelphia Eagles believe they have another dynamic weapon that can help them get back to the Super Bowl.
Wide receiver Makai Lemon, the Eagles’ first-round pick, chose a jersey number synonymous with winning in Philadelphia, and that’s all on fans’ minds Thursday at rookie minicamp.
Lemon will be wearing No. 9, becoming the first player since Nick Foles to do so. Foles needs no introduction to those chanting “Fly, Eagles, Fly” at the top of their lungs — he’s a true sports folk hero who helped the team win its first-ever Vince Lombardi Trophy in the 2017 season.
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Nick Foles, the Super Bowl-winning quarterback, 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 nonetheless. Lemon appreciated the atmosphere.
“I appreciate so much the Eagles and especially Nick Foles for giving that number down because I know he could have easily kept that number to himself,” Lemon said Thursday at rookie minicamp, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia.
“Such a great player, when he was here wearing No. 9, led them to the Super Bowl. I appreciate him so much. I definitely appreciate that so much and I want to represent No. 9 well when I wear it. I want to represent the team well. I’m just super excited to get that number for sure.”
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The Eagles haven’t handed out No. 9 at all since Foles left after the 2018 campaign. 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 on that number, wanted to talk to me before anyone else told me,” Lemon added. “I appreciate him and hopefully I can meet him soon when he’s around the building.”
The Eagles originally selected No. 23 in this year’s NFL Draft, but when they saw Lemon fall down the draft board, they dialed up No. 20 via trade, and GM 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, Pa., on April 23, 2026. (Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images)
In fact, a draft-night fiasco occurred when the Pittsburgh Steelers, owners of the No. 21 pick and hosting the draft this year outside their Acrisure Stadium, were already on the phone with Lemon to inform him they would take him with their pick. Little did the Steelers know, however, that the Eagles had traded ahead of them to land the talented USC Trojans star who won the 2025 Biletnikoff Award as the top receiver in college football.
Lemon wore No. 6 while at USC, but another Eagles first-round pick they traded up for, DeVonta Smith, has already rocked that number in green and black. Smith wasn’t keen on switching, so Lemon was looking for the lowest possible number after that.
No. 9 was available, but there was sacred Eagles history behind it. Still, Lemon said it was the team’s suggestion for him to potentially pick No. 9.
With trade rumors still swirling around Eagles Pro Bowl receiver AJ Brown, it remains to be seen exactly what role Lemon will play in a new offense for the club this season. Kevin Patullo was fired this offseason, which led to Sean Mannion accepting 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 an all-around receiver, whether it’s catching contested deep shots or creating separation on the short and intermediate routes to create potential big gains.
Lemon’s junior season with the Trojans in 2025 led to an All-American nod with 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns on 79 receptions over 12 games.
