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The Philadelphia Eagles believe they have another dynamic weapon that can help them get back to the Super Bowl.
Receiver Makai Lemon, the Eagles’ first-round pick, chose a jersey number synonymous with winning in Philadelphia, and that’s what fans are thinking about Thursday during rookie minicamp.
Lemon will wear No. 9, becoming the first player since Nick Foles to do so. Foles needs no introduction to those who chant “Fly, Eagles, Fly” at the top of their lungs – he is a true sports hero who helped the team win its first-ever Vince Lombardi Trophy during the 2017 season.
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Super Bowl-winning quarterback Nick Foles has given 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 sentiment.
“I really appreciate the Eagles and Nick Foles, in particular, for passing on that number because I know he easily could have kept that number to himself,” Lemon told reporters Thursday during rookie minicamp, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia.
“Such a great player when he was here with that number 9, he led them to the Super Bowl. I appreciate it so much. I really cherish it, and I’ll represent number 9 well, wearing it. I’ll represent the team well. I’m just super excited to get that number, for sure.”
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The Eagles haven’t dealt 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 that number on, he wanted to talk to me before anyone told me,” Lemon added. “I like him and hope to meet him soon when he’s in the building.”
The Eagles were originally picking No. 23 in this year’s NFL Draft, but when they saw Lemon falling off the draft board, they called up No. 20 via trade, and general manager Howie Roseman was quick to tell Lemon the good news.
Makai Lemon of Southern California poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected 20th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in 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 draft night fiasco occurred when the Pittsburgh Steelers, owners of the No. 21 pick and host of the draft this year outside of their Acrisure Stadium, were already on the phone with Lemon informing him that they would take him with their pick. The Steelers, however, didn’t know the Eagles had traded ahead of them to sign the talented USC Trojans star, who won the Biletnikoff Award in 2025 as college football’s top receiver.
Lemon wore number 6 while at USC, but another Eagles first-round pick they traded for, DeVonta Smith, already wears that number in green and black. Smith didn’t like the change, so Lemon looked for the lowest possible number after that.
No. 9 was available, but there was some sacred Eagles history behind him. Nonetheless, Lemon said it was the team’s suggestion to potentially pick No. 9.
With trade rumors still swirling around Eagles Pro Bowl wide receiver AJ Brown, it’s unclear 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 accepting the role of offensive coordinator.
Makai Lemon of the USC Trojans speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Draft 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 shots or creating separation on short and intermediate routes to generate big potential 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 in 12 games.
