We have a MAJOR #JerseyNumberAnalytics update to share: Makai Lemon is going to wear No. 9.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ first-round pick from the 2026 NFL Draft revealed as much during a Thursday afternoon press conference ahead of the team’s rookie minicamp this weekend.
This is an unexpected development since No. 9 has been out of circulation ever since Super Bowl LII MVP Nick Foles left the Eagles after the 2018 season. It wasn’t clear if the team would ever give out his jersey number again.
“Appreciate
the Eagles so much — Nick Foles, especially — to pass that number down, because I know he easily could’ve kept that number to himself. Such a great player when he was here, wearing that No. 9, led them to the Super Bowl. So, I appreciate him so much. I definitely cherish that so much. I’ll represent the No. 9 well, wearing it and representing the team well. I’m just super excited to get that number for sure.”
Lemon said he was aware of No.9 previously being unavailable and he talked to Foles on the phone before the decision was ultimately made. The rookie added that he’s looking forward to meeting Foles in person.
So, why did Lemon like this number? His answer:
“Really, I just want to [get] the lowest number possible that I can get, which was No. 9. The Eagles brought that up, so, couldn’t pass up on that one.“
Lemon wore No. 6 at USC and that one is obviously taken by DeVonta Smith, so, that wasn’t happening for him. But he was still available to get a single-digit … and one that looks like his old number if you flip it upside down.
Our official #JerseyNumberAnalytics stance on this jersey number development? This is a major stock up for Lemon. The Eagles aren’t bringing No. 9 back into the rotation unless they’re confident he’s going to be a stud in the NFL. Also, the aesthetic of DeVonta in No. 6 in Lemon in No. 9 is a nice combined look for the team’s top two wide receivers moving forward.
Well done by the Eagles, Foles, and Lemon.
