Eagles and DeVonta Smith take full advantage of the NFL’s new jersey rule

Eagles
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – JANUARY 11: Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) celebrates scoring a touchdown with Alabama Crimson Tide tight end Cameron Latu (81) and Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback (9) on the sidelines during the College Football Playoff National Championship football game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Ohio State Buckeyes on January 11, 2021 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire)

The NFL recently introduced a rule change that allows offensive players to wear single-digit jersey numbers. For DeVonta Smith, who was drafted by the Eagles with the 10th overall pick last night, that change came just in time.

The Eagles announced on Friday night that Smith will be wearing his coveted #6 jersey in midnight green.

When asked about the prospect of carrying his collegiate number all the way to the pros, DeVonta Smith had this to say:

‘I mean, I would love to wear No. 6. If I get the chance, that’s what I’m going to go with.’

The 2020 Heisman Trophy winner wore number 3 in High School, but it was the #6 that’s synonymous with his most impressive achievements.

After posting back-to-back seasons with 1,000+ receiving yards and double-digit touchdowns, Smith exploded to the top of draft boards. He broke the single-season records set by Ja’Maar Chase in 2019 to win the Heisman last year, picking up an astonishing 1,856 yards and averaging 18.5 per catch.

He’ll be hoping to carry on his legacy at the next level by reuniting with Jalen Hurts and picking up where the duo left off at Alabama.

Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire