Sports
Papers: Carrick favourite for Man Utd job amid Iraola links
Michael Carrick is the top choice for Manchester United's manager role, with Andoni Iraola as a close competitor.
Sky Sports1 min read
Sports
Makai Lemon jersey number: First Eagles player to wear No. 9 since Nick Foles
TL;DR
Makai Lemon will wear No. 9 for the Philadelphia Eagles, becoming the first player to do so since Nick Foles. This jersey number had been out of circulation since Foles left the team in 2018.
Key points
- Makai Lemon will wear No. 9 for the Philadelphia Eagles
- No. 9 was previously worn by Nick Foles
- The number has been out of circulation since Foles left in 2018
Mentioned in this story
Makai LemonNick Foles
Philadelphia Eagles
PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 23: Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon poses for a studio portrait during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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.“
Q&A
Why is Makai Lemon wearing No. 9 for the Eagles?
Makai Lemon revealed he would wear No. 9 during a press conference, marking a significant moment as it has been unused since Nick Foles left the team.
When did Nick Foles leave the Philadelphia Eagles?
Nick Foles left the Philadelphia Eagles after the 2018 season, and his jersey number No. 9 has been out of circulation since then.
What does Makai Lemon's jersey number choice signify?
Makai Lemon's choice to wear No. 9 signifies a return to a number that holds historical significance for the Eagles, previously worn by Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles.
