The Philadelphia Eagles have a rich history, boasting 91 seasons of compelling football narratives and heroic feats. Among the pantheon of legendary players who have donned the Eagles jersey, Nick Foles holds a distinctive position.
Foles is celebrated not only as the last player to wear the No. 9 jersey but also as the only quarterback to lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl title. His stellar performance in the postseason is etched into the annals of Eagles history, with a 72.6% completion rate and an exceptional 115.7 passer rating. These statistics underscore his prowess, but it is his performance in Super Bowl LII that remains unforgettable. During that decisive game, Foles amassed 373 yards, threw three touchdowns, and even caught a touchdown, an incredible maneuver cemented in history as the "Philly Special."
Given his contribution, it is not surprising that the Eagles have not reassigned the No. 9 jersey since Foles' departure in 2018. This reverence for Foles was highlighted when Josh Sweat, a current Eagle, revealed his wish to wear the number. "I wore 9 in high school and wore 9 in college. But I can't get 9 now because it's retired," Sweat said, drawing attention to how highly the franchise regards Foles' legacy.
Indeed, the Eagles have a tradition of honoring their legends, having formally retired nine numbers. These include Donovan McNabb (5), Steve Van Buren (15), Brian Dawkins (20), Tom Brookshier (40), Pete Pihos (44), Chuck Bednarik (60), Al Wistert (70), Reggie White (92), and Jerome Brown (99). Each of these numbers tells a story, representing the indelible impact these players made on the franchise and the sport.
While Sweat had to adjust his jersey preferences, initially wearing No. 75 and later No. 94 since being drafted in 2018, his comments add a touch of humor and historical awareness. "I wanted No. 15, but that thing was retired in like 1950. I mean, y'all need to go ahead and bring that back," Sweat remarked, highlighting the longevity and depth of the Eagles' storied past.
It is not just Foles who finds his legacy preserved through jersey numbers. The Eagles have also not reissued No. 25 following LeSean McCoy's departure. McCoy, the franchise's all-time leading rusher, left an indelible mark with his extraordinary performance on the field, further cementing the Eagles’ tradition of honoring remarkable contributors to the team.
Foles' legendary status is further immortalized with a statue inside Lincoln Financial Field. This physical tribute ensures that fans, both old and new, remember his contributions and the glory he brought to the Eagles. It is a symbol of the high regard in which he is held, embodying the spirit and achievements of not just a player, but a hero in Philadelphia sports lore.
As the Eagles look toward the future, the reverence for past heroes like Foles, McCoy, and the other legends whose numbers are retired, continues to shape the team’s identity. These narratives of excellence, sacrifice, and loyalty form the bedrock upon which new stories will be built, honoring the past while paving the way for future triumphs.