Philadelphia Eagles' Revered Jersey Numbers and the Legacy of No. 9
The Philadelphia Eagles franchise, with a storied history spanning 91 seasons, boasts numerous legends and unforgettable moments. Among these, Nick Foles' tenure with the team is etched in golden letters, particularly his contribution to the Eagles' only Super Bowl title to date.
Foles, who last donned the No. 9 jersey, remains the sole quarterback to have led the Eagles to the pinnacle of NFL success. His postseason performance that year was nothing short of miraculous, with an impressive 72.6% completion rate and a 115.7 passer rating. Super Bowl LII is especially unforgettable, where Foles orchestrated 373 passing yards, threw for three touchdowns, and caught a crucial touchdown reception in a play now famously immortalized as the "Philly Special."
In recognition of his extraordinary achievements, the Eagles have not reassigned the No. 9 jersey since Foles' departure in 2018. Although the franchise has not officially retired the number, it is held in such high regard that it remains unavailable to new players. Defensive end Josh Sweat expressed his disappointment when he couldn't secure it, saying, "I wore 9 in high school and wore 9 in college. But I can't get 9 now because it's retired."
Sweat had hoped to carry forward his college number upon joining the Eagles but had to settle for No. 75 and later switched to No. 94. His desire for a meaningful number is palpable, adding with a touch of humor, "I wanted No. 15, but that thing was retired in like 1950. I mean, y'all need to go ahead and bring that back."
Indeed, the Eagles have formally retired several jersey numbers to honor the club's all-time greats. Donovan McNabb's No. 5, Steve Van Buren's No. 15, and Brian Dawkins' No. 20 stand as testaments to the illustrious careers of these players. Tom Brookshier (40), Pete Pihos (44), Chuck Bednarik (60), Al Wistert (70), Reggie White (92), and Jerome Brown (99) have all had their numbers retired as well. These numbers, proudly displayed around Lincoln Financial Field, serve as continual reminders of their indelible impact on the franchise’s history.
Adding to the Eagles' pantheon of heroes is LeSean McCoy, the franchise's all-time leading rusher. Since his departure, the Eagles have yet to reissue No. 25, symbolizing his enormous contribution to the team's success.
Despite these iconic jerseys being retired or held in high regard, new players like Josh Sweat are carving their own legacies. His pragmatic approach to jersey numbers reflects a broader understanding. "I just needed a change. Just wanted to feel new," Sweat noted, highlighting the evolving nature of the sport and the personal journeys within it.
Within Lincoln Financial Field, a statue of Nick Foles immortalizes the quarterback who forever changed the team’s fortune. This stands as a tribute not just to his incredible performance but to the spirit and tenacity that led the Eagles to their historic Super Bowl LII victory. The stadium itself is more than just a venue; it is a repository of memories, dreams, and the relentless pursuit of football excellence.
As the Eagles continue to build upon their rich history, the stories of players who wore these revered numbers will remain deeply intertwined with the present and future of the franchise. From Foles' legacy with the No. 9 jersey to the hallowed numbers that will never grace the field again, the fabric of the Philadelphia Eagles is richly embroidered with tales of passion, dedication, and triumph.
The reverence for these numbers and the legends who wore them serves as a constant reminder of what it means to be an Eagle. For current players, it’s both an inspiration and an ever-present challenge to etch their names in the annals of the team’s storied history.