Davante Adams Reveals Jets Rookie Asked for $1 Million to Give Up No. 17 Jersey
Davante Adams has shared a humorous behind-the-scenes story from his brief stint with the New York Jets, revealing that then-rookie wide receiver Malachi Corley jokingly asked him for $1 million in exchange for the No. 17 jersey. The anecdote has quickly become one of the most talked-about moments from Adams’ recent media appearances, giving fans a lighthearted look at the business and traditions surrounding jersey numbers in the National Football League.
Adams, one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers, has worn the No. 17 jersey throughout much of his professional career. The number became closely associated with him during his successful years with the Green Bay Packers and later with the Las Vegas Raiders. When he was traded to the New York Jets during the 2024 season, he naturally hoped to continue wearing the same number that had become part of his football identity.
However, there was one small obstacle. Rookie wide receiver Malachi Corley had already claimed No. 17 before Adams arrived. Like many NFL veterans entering a new team, Adams needed to negotiate with the current holder of the jersey if he wanted to keep his familiar number.
Speaking about the situation, Adams recalled reaching out to Corley to discuss the possibility of acquiring the jersey. According to Adams, the rookie jokingly responded by asking for $1 million in exchange for the number. While the request was clearly made in good humor, it immediately caught Adams’ attention and became a memorable story from his time in New York.
Jersey-number negotiations have become a longstanding tradition across professional sports. Star players often develop strong emotional attachments to certain numbers, while younger players occasionally find themselves in possession of those numbers before established veterans arrive. In many cases, the parties reach friendly agreements involving charitable donations, luxury gifts, watches, vacations, or financial compensation. Some exchanges become public, while others remain private between teammates.
Although Corley’s initial request attracted headlines because of its eye-catching amount, Adams explained that the conversation was playful rather than confrontational. The two players maintained a positive relationship, and the exchange reflected the relaxed atmosphere often found inside NFL locker rooms despite the intense competition on the field.
Ultimately, Adams did not pay anywhere close to the requested amount. Reports indicate the situation was resolved amicably, allowing Adams to continue wearing No. 17 during his Jets tenure without any lingering issues between the two receivers. The story has since become another example of the humorous negotiations that sometimes accompany player movement around the league.
Adams joined the Jets midway through the 2024 season after being traded by the Las Vegas Raiders. The move reunited him with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, his longtime teammate from their successful years together in Green Bay. Expectations were high that the reunion would help revive New York’s offense and strengthen its playoff hopes.
Although Adams continued to perform at a high level individually, the Jets struggled to achieve consistent success during the remainder of the season. After the campaign concluded, the organization released Adams as part of broader roster changes, and he later signed with the Los Angeles Rams, where he once again wears his familiar No. 17 jersey.
Corley, meanwhile, entered the NFL with significant expectations after an impressive college career. As a young receiver adjusting to professional football, he quickly became part of one of the league’s most entertaining off-field stories despite the exchange being made in jest.
Fans reacted enthusiastically after Adams shared the story, with many praising Corley’s confidence and sense of humor. Social media users joked that the rookie understood the value of possessing one of the NFL’s most recognizable jersey numbers, while others appreciated Adams’ willingness to laugh about the situation long after it occurred.
Stories involving jersey numbers often capture public attention because they reveal the personal side of professional athletes. Behind every number is a history of accomplishments, memories, and identity that players carry throughout their careers. For veterans like Adams, continuing to wear the same number represents continuity and tradition, while younger players sometimes enjoy the rare opportunity to negotiate with established stars.
Although Adams’ time with the Jets was relatively short, the $1 million jersey story has become one of its most memorable off-field moments. It highlights the camaraderie that exists within NFL locker rooms and reminds fans that even elite athletes frequently share jokes and lighthearted moments away from the pressure of competition.
As Adams continues the next chapter of his career with the Rams, the amusing tale involving Corley and the No. 17 jersey remains one of the more entertaining stories from his journey through the NFL, offering supporters a glimpse into the personalities that help shape the league beyond game day.
About the Author
