Makai Lemon will wear No. 9, the first Eagles player since Nick Foles

Philadelphia Eagles First round pick police lemon His jersey number was revealed Thursday, and it holds a special meaning for Eagles fans.

Lemon Don No. 9, last worn by an Eagles quarterback Nick Foleswho led the franchise to its first Super Bowl victory in February 2018. Foles retired from the league in 2024 and left Philadelphia in March 2019, but no other player has worn his number since his departure.

Foles gave the 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner his blessing for No. 9.

“I talked to him on the phone,” Lemon said. “He wanted to pass on that number, talk to me on the phone before anyone else told me. I appreciate him, and hope I get to meet him soon. He’s around the building.”

The wide receiver added that he’s aware that no one else has worn the number since, and he said he doesn’t take it lightly. There is no more significance behind the choice of lemon that he could get the lowest marks he wanted.

Lemon, who wore Nos. 24 and 6 USCNo. 9 isn’t the first Eagles player to try to steal

Former linebacker Josh sweats Wore it in high school and college but moved to No. 75 with Foles on the roster after being drafted in 2018. He wore 94 from 2019 to 2023 and revealed in the 2024 offseason that he tried No. 9 before choosing No. 19.

“I can’t get 9 now because it’s retired,” sweats said In 2024.

Philadelphia, however, has not officially retired the number, although it was not reissued until this year.

Lemon expressed his gratitude to the Eagles and Foles for lowering the number because the former quarterback “could have easily kept that number to himself.”

“I definitely cherish it so much,” he said. “I represent the 9 well, wearing it, representing the team well. So I’m definitely excited to get that number.”

Taken No. 20 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, Lemon led the nation with 1,156 receiving yards and 96.3 receiving yards per game last season for USC.