If you’ve watched a single Philadelphia Eagles game lately, you've seen that slim figure gliding across the grass. He’s hard to miss. Not just because of the route running, which is basically art, but because of that single digit on his back. DeVonta Smith wears number 6. It sounds simple. Just a number, right? Honestly, in the NFL, jersey numbers are a whole thing. For "Smitty," that 6 is more than a random choice. It’s a carryover from a legendary college career that almost didn't happen in the pros.
What number is DeVonta Smith wearing right now?
Right now, DeVonta Smith is rocking the No. 6 for the Philadelphia Eagles. He’s been wearing it since he was drafted 10th overall back in 2021. If you're looking to buy a jersey today in 2026, that’s the digit you're getting.
The "Slim Reaper" has made that number iconic in Philly. It’s funny because, for a long time, you rarely saw wide receivers in the single digits. Before 2021, the NFL had these super strict rules. Receivers were basically stuck in the 80s or the 10-19 range.
Then everything changed. The league loosened up the rules right as Smith was coming out of Alabama. It was perfect timing. He actually said that if 6 wasn't available, his backup plan was No. 3, which he wore in high school at Amite. Luckily, the Eagles made it happen.
A quick look at the 6 era
- College (Alabama): He wore 6 while winning the Heisman.
- NFL (Eagles): He kept the 6 and became a Super Bowl LIX champion.
- The Vibe: It fits his "Skinny Batman" persona perfectly.
The history of No. 6 in Philadelphia
Before DeVonta showed up, the number 6 in Philly wasn't exactly a "star" number. It was mostly for kickers and punters. Caleb Sturgis wore it. Alex Henery wore it. Sav Rocca, the punter from Australia, had it for a while.
You have to go way back to find a "skill player" in that jersey. Bubby Brister, a quarterback, wore it in the mid-90s. But a wide receiver? That was unheard of until the rule change.
Smith didn't just take the number; he reclaimed it. He’s now the all-time leader in postseason receiving yards for the Eagles (595 yards and counting). When you see a No. 6 jersey in the stands at Lincoln Financial Field now, you aren't thinking about a field goal kicker from 2013. You’re thinking about the guy who caught "The Dagger" in Super Bowl LIX.
Why did he choose 6 at Alabama?
He basically became synonymous with the number at Alabama. It’s where he put up 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns in a single season. You don't just walk away from a number after a year like that.
There’s a certain psychology to it. For a guy who was told he was "too small" or "too thin" his whole life, wearing a slim, single digit like 6 emphasizes that frame. He leaned into the "Slim Reaper" nickname.
Actually, during his time with the Crimson Tide, he became the first receiver to win the Heisman Trophy since Desmond Howard in the early 90s. When you reach that level of greatness, the number becomes part of your brand. It’s like Jordan and 23 or Rice and 80. For Eagles fans, Smith and 6 are just a pair now.
Does he ever change his number?
Short answer: No.
Longer answer: Why would he? He’s already signed a massive three-year, $75 million contract extension in 2024. He’s established. He’s a veteran leader now.
Sometimes players change numbers when a big-name veteran joins the team and wants their old digit, but Smitty is the big-name veteran now. Plus, he's a creature of habit. He even listens to the same song, "Candy Rain" by Soul for Real, on loop every single time he stretches before a game. He isn't the type to switch things up just for the sake of it.
Smitty’s Career at a Glance (through 2025)
He’s been incredibly consistent. Check out these stats:
- 2021: 916 yards (broke DeSean Jackson's rookie record)
- 2022: 1,196 yards
- 2023: 1,066 yards
- 2024: 833 yards (won Super Bowl LIX)
- 2025: 1,008 yards
He’s now had three 1,000-yard seasons in his first five years. That’s elite.
Buying the right gear
If you’re shopping for DeVonta Smith gear, make sure you're looking for the Nike Game or Limited jerseys with the #6.
The Eagles have a few different styles now. You’ve got the classic Midnight Green, the clean White road jerseys, and the fan-favorite Kelly Green throwbacks. Regardless of the color, the 6 is always there.
Interestingly, Smith was one of the players who really pushed for the flexibility in jersey numbers. The Eagles even proposed the rule change that allowed players to wear the number zero (0), though DeVonta stuck with his lucky 6.
If you want to represent the Slim Reaper properly, here is what to look for:
- Authentic Stitched: These have the tackle-twill numbers.
- The Kelly Green: Easily the most popular version among Philly fans right now.
- The Super Bowl Patch: If you can find a No. 6 jersey with the Super Bowl LIX patch, grab it. It's a collector's item.
The number 6 isn't just a digit for DeVonta Smith; it's the mark of a player who proved that "size" is just a number on a scout's clipboard. He's transformed how fans view that jersey in Philadelphia forever.
If you're heading to a game, look for the guy in the No. 6 jersey lined up on the outside. He's probably about to run a route that leaves a cornerback wondering where he went.
Next steps for Eagles fans:
Check the official Eagles pro shop or reputable retailers like Fanatics to ensure you’re getting an authentic jersey. If you’re looking for a specific style, like the 2024 championship edition, verify the "Super Bowl LIX" embroidery is present on the left chest for historical accuracy.