Philadelphia Eagles fans, get ready to see a familiar number back on the field. Rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon has officially been given the blessing to wear jersey No. 9—a number that holds legendary status in Eagles history.

The last player to don that digit was none other than Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles, who hasn't suited up for the Eagles since 2018. Now, after years of the number sitting idle, Lemon will be the first to carry on that legacy.

"It's gonna be nine," Lemon announced with clear excitement. "I appreciate the Eagles so much, and Nick Foles especially to pass that number down because I know he could have easily kept that number to himself."

The young receiver understands the weight of the jersey. "Such a great player when he was here wearing that No. 9 led him to the Super Bowl, so I appreciate him so much. I definitely cherish that so much and I'll represent the nine well. I'm just super excited to get that number, for sure."

During his standout career at USC, Lemon wore No. 6—but that number is currently claimed by Eagles star DeVonta Smith. So the switch to No. 9 wasn't just a choice; it was a sign of respect from a franchise icon.

Foles' willingness to pass the torch speaks volumes about the kind of player and person Lemon is. The Eagles selected him with the 20th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after trading up to secure him—a clear sign of how highly they value his potential.

Interestingly, Lemon nearly ended up elsewhere. He was on the phone with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who told him he was their pick, when the Eagles swooped in and stole him at the last moment. It was a dramatic draft-day twist that could pay huge dividends for Philly.

With rumors swirling that the Eagles might trade veteran wideout A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots, Lemon could find himself with a massive role right out of the gate. And he'll be doing it all while wearing a number that once led this franchise to its first Super Bowl title.