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Davante Adams arrived at the New York Jets in October 2024 expecting to wear No. 17, the number he had worn throughout his professional career as a three-time All-Pro selection. The process of securing that jersey proved more complicated than anticipated when a rookie wide receiver refused to relinquish the number without significant compensation.
During an appearance on the podcast “Bussin’ with the Boys,” Adams detailed his initial attempt to resolve the matter. He arrived at the facility on a Tuesday with $17,000 in cash, intending to offer the sum along with payment for replacement jerseys for the rookie’s family. At the time, the player in question had appeared in only four plays through Week 6 of the season.
The rookie’s counteroffer caught Adams off guard. Rather than accept the cash and family jersey compensation, the player demanded $1 million for the number. Adams responded by withdrawing his proposal and escalating the matter to Jets owner Woody Johnson, who ultimately awarded the jersey to the six-time Pro Bowler.
The unnamed rookie was later identified as Malachi Corley, who relinquished No. 17 following Adams’ trade from the Raiders to New York. Corley was released by the Jets before the 2025 season and subsequently joined the Cleveland Browns, where he does not wear No. 17.
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