Three-time All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams detailed the unexpected negotiation he faced to claim his customary No. 17 jersey upon joining the New York Jets in October 2024. Adams, who has worn the number throughout his professional career, found himself in a standoff with a rookie player who was initially unwilling to relinquish it without a substantial payment.
Adams recounted the experience on the "Bussin' with the Boys" podcast, explaining that upon arriving at the team facility, he encountered the rookie, who had been wearing No. 17. Adams offered the player $17,000 in cash, along with a commitment to purchase new jerseys for the rookie's family, believing the sum would be sufficient for a player who had seen limited action. "I’m like, ‘You have no attachment to this right now. I’ll pay for your whole family to get new jerseys, whatever, because they go out and spend their money on it, However many jerseys you need me to buy I’ll do that and how about $17,000 for the number 17,’" Adams said.
However, the rookie wide receiver countered with a demand of $1 million. Adams then escalated the matter to Jets owner Woody Johnson, who intervened and ensured Adams received the number.
While Adams did not identify the rookie on the podcast, reports indicate it was Malachi Corley. Corley wore No. 17 for the Jets until Adams's trade from the Raiders. Corley was later released by the Jets before the 2025 season and subsequently signed with the Cleveland Browns, where he also does not wear No. 17.