Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon understands the significance behind wearing jersey No. 9. The former USC standout became the first Eagles player to wear the number since Super Bowl LII MVP Nick Foles, but not before receiving the legendary quarterback’s blessing.
Lemon revealed that Foles personally spoke with him and encouraged him to carry on the number’s legacy in Philadelphia. The Eagles’ first-round pick called the gesture “meaningful” and said he plans to wear the number with pride and responsibility as he begins his NFL career.
Before arriving in Philadelphia, Lemon wore No. 6 at USC, but that number currently belongs to fellow Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith. Lemon joked that flipping the No. 6 upside down made No. 9 the perfect alternative.
The rookie also praised Smith during his introductory media availability, calling the Pro Bowl receiver humble and driven. Lemon believes learning alongside Smith and quarterback Jalen Hurts will help accelerate his development in the Eagles offense.
