Following the Eagles’ No. 20 draft pick to add Makai Lemon to the Philadelphia Eagles offense, he decided on the number 9 after talking with former Eagles QB and Super Bowl champion Nick Foles.
Draft Night
The Philadelphia Eagles walked into the 2026 NFL draft with the No. 23 pick, but they had other plans. After trading up to No. 20 with the Dallas Cowboys, the Eagles secured USC WR Makai Lemon.
With trade talks circulating all offseason regarding star WR and Super Bowl Champion A.J. Brown, the Eagles knew that they needed to acquire a potential replacement.
The Pittsburgh Steelers were on the phone with Lemon at pick No. 21, unaware that Philadelphia had traded up. Lemon was rushed off the phone with Pittsburgh and answered a call from GM Howie Roseman, who was welcoming him to Philadelphia.
I had the opportunity to speak to Lemon after being added to the Eagles’ wide receiver room, where I gave him his first “Go Birds” from the Philly media. Makai then responded with “Yes sir, you already know!” Lemon has the grit and pure talent that the Eagles organization is looking for in terms of a WR and that will help him succeed in this city.
Trying To Get #6
Prior to the draft, Lemon was asked about his jersey number heading into the league. He made it known that he would be willing to put up some money for the #6 if needed. However, he later realized he would be trying to get that number from none other than Eagles wide receiver and Super Bowl Champion DeVonta Smith.
Smith has been wearing the number 6 throughout all of his college and professional career, achieving many accomplishment’s such as winning the Heisman Trophy and two Super Bowl appearances. Naturally, Smith was not going to give up this number to Lemon due to its history and importance to him.
However, Smith and Lemon were spotted courtside together at a Philadelphia 76ers game. This has lots of Philly fans excited for the future of the WR room, especially with the off-field bonding already taking place.
Foles Giving Lemon #9
On April 30th, Philadelphia media asked Makai Lemon if he had decided on a number. Lemon responded and said he had spoken to former star quarterback and Super Bowl Champion Nick Foles about wearing his number. Foles gave Lemon his number 9 after their discussion.
Obviously, big shoes to fill for Lemon coming into Philadelphia as a rookie because of the story behind the number. Nick Foles and the Philadelphia Eagles faced Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII, where Foles and the “Underdog” Philadelphia team beat the Patriots 41-33.
Lemon added that he is ready to represent the number well with his play in Philadelphia. After a standout collegiate career at the University Of Southern California, with 137 receptions, 2,008 yards, and 14 touchdowns Lemon is ready to carry that over into the NFL.
