Makai Lemon hasn't even taken a snap in the NFL, but he's already making history. The standout wide receiver became the first player from the 2026 draft class to sign his rookie contract, inking a four-year deal worth over $20.8 million—all fully guaranteed—with a signing bonus north of $11.5 million.

Selected 20th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles, Lemon arrives fresh off a standout final season at USC, where he hauled in 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns. But it's not just his on-field production that has Eagles fans buzzing—it's the number he'll wear.

Lemon will don No. 9, a jersey that has been untouched since Nick Foles departed after the 2018 season. Foles, of course, earned Super Bowl LII MVP honors in that very number, leading the Eagles to their first championship in franchise history with a legendary 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots. Many assumed the jersey would remain retired out of respect, but Lemon had a different plan.

Before making it official, the rookie reached out to Foles personally to ask for his blessing. The response? A gracious green light.

"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," Lemon said.

The number swap wasn't just about history—it was also about practicality. Lemon wore No. 6 at USC, but that was already taken in Philadelphia by star receiver DeVonta Smith. So he pivoted to No. 9, which, as he noted, looks like his old number when flipped upside down. A clever nod to his college days while embracing a new chapter.

For Eagles fans, seeing No. 9 back on the field will bring back memories of Foles' heroics—including that unforgettable Philly Special touchdown catch. Now, a new generation gets to write its own story in the same jersey.