play Makai Lemon: 'Means a lot' the Eagles traded up for me (0:24) Makai Lemon says he will "give everything" for the Eagles after he was drafted at No. 20 in the 2026 NFL draft. (0:24) Anthony Gharib Apr 30, 2026, 06:03 PM ET Philadelphia Eagles first-round pick Makai Lemon revealed his jersey number Thursday, and it holds a special meaning for Eagles fans. Lemon will don No. 9, last worn by Eagles quarterback Nick Foles , who led the franchise to its first Super Bowl win in February 2018. Foles retired from the league in 2024 and left Philadelphia in March 2019, yet no other player had 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 that number over, wanted to speak to me on the phone before anybody else told me so. I appreciate him, and hopefully I can meet him soon.…