The Philadelphia Eagles franchise boasts a storied history spanning 91 seasons. Central to that history is Nick Foles, the only quarterback to lead the team to a Super Bowl title. Foles’ impact on the franchise is indelible, cemented not only through his stellar performance but also through the reverence in which his No. 9 jersey is held.
Nick Foles: The Legend of No. 9
Foles was the last player to don the No. 9 jersey for the Eagles, and no one has worn it since his departure in 2018. His legacy was solidified during Super Bowl LII, where he delivered an extraordinary performance, throwing for 373 yards, three touchdowns, and even catching a touchdown pass in a play famously known as the "Philly Special." Foles' efforts led to a 72.6% completion rate and an impressive 115.7 passer rating in the postseason.
Josh Sweat, an up-and-coming talent for the Eagles, experienced the reverence for Foles' number firsthand. "I wore 9 in high school and wore 9 in college. But I can't get 9 now because it's retired," Sweat shared, underscoring the number's untouchable status within the organization. Although the Eagles have not officially retired No. 9, its sacred status is clear to all.
Honoring Excellence: Eagles' Retired Numbers
While No. 9 remains quasi-retired, Philadelphia has formally retired nine numbers in their history, paying homage to legendary figures like 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). These players left indelible marks on the franchise, and their jerseys now hang in reverence.
Josh Sweat's comments reflect an intriguing mix of respect and frustration. "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 quipped, highlighting the long-standing traditions that continue to shape the team culture.
Finding New Identity: Josh Sweat’s Journey
Despite the numbering restrictions, Sweat has managed to carve out his identity. Initially wearing No. 75 after being drafted in 2018, he later switched to No. 94. This change mirrored his evolving journey in the NFL. "I just needed a change. Just wanted to feel new," explained Sweat, encapsulating the sentiment of renewal that many players seek.
LeSean McCoy and the Untouchable No. 25
The reverence for iconic players in Philadelphia isn't limited to retired numbers. The Eagles have also withheld reissuing No. 25 since the departure of LeSean McCoy, the team's all-time leading rusher. McCoy's contributions to the franchise have made his number equally symbolic, resting in a revered status similar to that of Foles’ No. 9.
A Legacy Enshrined in Bronze
Nick Foles' influence extends beyond the absence of his jersey on the field. His legacy is immortalized through a statue inside Lincoln Financial Field. This monument is a testament to his pivotal role in bringing home the coveted Super Bowl title and to the unforgettable moments that have defined a generation of Eagles football.
In summary, the Philadelphia Eagles' history is richly embroidered with the contributions of its legendary players. The reverence for player numbers like Foles' No. 9 and McCoy's No. 25 symbolizes the respect and admiration held for these game-changers. As young stars like Josh Sweat continue to forge their paths, they do so with a profound respect for the storied past—a past that continues to shape the future of one of the NFL's most storied franchises.