Makai Lemon to Wear No. 9 Eagles Jersey After Private Conversation with Nick Foles

Nick Foles is a Philadelphia legend, and nobody would have minded if his No. 9 jersey was retired after he led the Eagles to their first-ever Super Bowl title back in the 2017 season.

But Foles has given the OK for rookie receiver Makai Lemon to don the No. 9:

"I know he easily could have kept that number to himself," Lemon told reporters. "Such a great player when he was here. ... I appreciate him so much. I definitely cherish that and I'll represent the No. 9 well. Represent the team well. So I'm just super excited to get that number, for sure."

Lemon wore No. 6 during his senior season at USC, but DeVonta Smith already wears that number for the Birds, so the rookie first-rounder had to switch it up. He picked a number with quite the history for the Eagles.

Foles famously threw for 373 yards, three touchdowns and an interception—and also caught a touchdown pass on the legendary Philly Special—during Super Bowl LII, a 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots. It was the first Super Bowl triumph in the organization's history and came after Foles was thrust into starting duties during the regular season for the injured Carson Wentz.

It was a Hollywood story and made Foles one of the most beloved athletes in the Philly history, so Lemon has big shoes to fill.