When the trade news dropped on October 15, 2024, every New York fan had the same thought. We finally got him. Davante Adams was a Jet, and the "Rodgers-to-Adams" connection was back. But while the pundits were busy arguing about draft picks and salary cap space, a much more visual debate was brewing: what would the Davante Adams Jets uniform actually look like?
See, Adams isn't just a receiver; he’s a brand. And that brand is inextricably linked to the number 17. He wore it in Green Bay. He wore it in Las Vegas. If you saw a highlight of a guy making a toe-drag catch in the corner of the end zone, and 17 was on the back, you knew it was him.
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But when he landed in Florham Park, there was a problem. A rookie problem.
The Wild Battle for No. 17
Honestly, the story of how Adams kept his number is kinda legendary in NFL circles now. Most superstars just walk into a locker room and the rookie wearing their number quietly vanishes into a different jersey. Not this time.
Malachi Corley, the Jets' rookie receiver at the time, was already wearing No. 17. When Adams showed up, he didn't want to just "pull rank." He tried to be a pro. He offered Corley $17,000 cash for the number. A nice gesture, right?
Corley didn't blink. He reportedly shot back with a request for $1 million. Then, he told Adams that "No. 14 would look good" on him.
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You can imagine how that went over. Adams later admitted on the Why Is Draymond Green Talking About Football? show that he felt a little disrespected. He didn't pay the million, and he didn't pay the 17 grand either. He "went the route he needed to go" (likely a talk with the front office) and ended up with the No. 17 anyway. Corley was moved to No. 14.
Breaking Down the Legacy Collection Design
The Davante Adams Jets uniform wasn't just any old jersey. It was part of the "Legacy Collection" the Jets launched in 2024. This was a massive deal for the fans. They had spent years complaining about the "New Era" uniforms from 2019, which basically looked like generic jerseys from a low-budget football movie.
The Legacy jerseys brought back the "Sack Exchange" era vibe from the 80s. Here is what made the Adams jersey look so distinct on the field:
- The Green: It’s a specific shade called "Legacy Green." It’s darker than Kelly Green but brighter than the old Hunter Green.
- The Shoulders: Double-stripe patterns that scream 1980s football.
- The Helmet: A solid green shell with the refined "Jet" logo—the one with the plane nose pointed forward.
- The "Legacy Black": The alternate version. Adams looked particularly lethal in the all-black kit during that Halloween game against the Texans.
Adams wore three main variations during his 11-game stint in New York: the Legacy Green (home), Legacy White (away), and the Legacy Black (alternate). There was also "The Classic" throwback—a 1968 championship-style white-on-white uniform—but the core "17" look was the Legacy Green.
Why the Jersey Sold Out (and then disappeared)
For a few months, you couldn't walk a block in Manhattan without seeing a No. 17 Jets jersey. It was the hottest ticket in town. According to sales data from that window, Adams vaulted into the top 10 of jersey sales almost instantly.
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People weren't just buying a player; they were buying hope. They were buying the idea that the 2024 season was salvageable.
But here’s the nuance people forget. Adams’ time in that uniform was short. Very short. By March 2025, the Jets released him. He eventually signed with the Los Angeles Rams, where he (surprise, surprise) also wears No. 17.
This makes the Davante Adams Jets uniform a bit of a collector's item. It represents a very specific, chaotic, and ultimately disappointing era of Jets football. If you have one in your closet, it’s basically a "I survived the 2024 season" badge of honor.
Statistics in the Green and White
Even though it felt like a fever dream, Adams actually produced in that uniform.
- Games: 11
- Receptions: 67
- Yards: 854
- Touchdowns: 7
He even hit his 100th career touchdown in a Jets uniform during a Week 15 win against the Jaguars. That specific jersey—the one he was wearing when he caught that TD—is a piece of NFL history.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that Adams "bought" the number from Corley. As he clarified later, once the rookie asked for a million dollars, the checkbook stayed closed. Adams took the number because he's a six-time Pro Bowler and the team wanted their star happy.
Another thing? People think the Jets changed uniforms for Adams. They didn't. The rebrand was already in motion for the 2024 season. Adams just happened to arrive at the perfect time to be the "face" of the new (old) look.
Should You Still Buy One?
If you’re a jersey collector, maybe. But honestly, as of early 2026, most of these have hit the clearance racks or ended up at TJ Maxx. The Jets moved on to Justin Fields in 2025, and now the franchise is looking toward yet another rebuild.
The Adams Jets jersey is a relic. It’s like those Randy Moss Titans jerseys or Jerry Rice Raiders jerseys. It’s a "wait, he played there?" kind of item.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Collectors:
- Check the Tags: If you are buying a "Legacy" jersey on the secondary market (like eBay or Poshmark), make sure it has the Nike "Satin woven jock tag." The fakes from this era are everywhere and the green is usually "off."
- The "17" Legacy: If you're a Malachi Corley fan, remember that early 2024 Corley jerseys exist with the No. 17 on them. Those are actually rarer than the Adams ones.
- Authentication: If you find a "game-worn" Adams Jets jersey, look for the 2024 "Sack Exchange" patch details. Adams only wore the 17 in the Legacy and Classic styles for one season.
The Davante Adams Jets uniform was a flash in the pan. It looked great, sold fast, and represented a dream that never quite came true. Now, it's just another piece of laundry in the long, complicated history of Gang Green.
Next Steps:
If you're looking to track down an authentic version, I can help you identify the specific SKU numbers for the Nike Elite vs. Nike Game versions of the 2024 Legacy collection.