The Legacy of Nick Foles' No. 9 and the Philadelphia Eagles' Retired Numbers

The Legacy of Nick Foles' No. 9 and the Philadelphia Eagles' Retired Numbers

The Legacy of Nick Foles' No. 9 and the Philadelphia Eagles' Retired Numbers

Among the storied franchises of the NFL, few have a history as rich and dynamic as the Philadelphia Eagles. Spanning over 91 seasons, the Eagles' legacy is interwoven with moments of triumph, resilience, and iconic figures who have left indelible marks on the hearts of fans and the annals of football history. One such figure is Nick Foles, whose tenure with the team is nothing short of legendary. Foles was not just the last player to don the No. 9 jersey; he is the only quarterback to have led the Eagles to a Super Bowl title. His performance in Super Bowl LII remains etched in the memories of Eagles fans, where he delivered an impressive 373 yards, three touchdowns, and even caught a touchdown himself—a play famously known as the "Philly Special." Foles’ postseason excellence is reflected in his remarkable 72.6% completion rate and a 115.7 passer rating. These stats underscore his pivotal role in securing the Eagles' first-ever Super Bowl victory. In recognition of his contributions, the Eagles have not reassigned the No. 9 jersey since Foles' departure in 2018. This has led many, including current Eagles defensive end Josh Sweat, to consider the number unofficially retired. “I wore 9 in high school and wore 9 in college. But I can't get 9 now because it's retired,” Sweat explained, underlining the reverence held for Foles' number.

Statue of Nick Foles inside Lincoln Financial Field

However, Foles is not the only esteemed player to have their number retired by the Eagles. The team has formally retired nine numbers in total, a testament to the extraordinary players who shaped its history. These wearers 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 retired number tells a story of an athlete who made monumental contributions to the franchise. For instance, Donovan McNabb, who donned the No. 5, was a cornerstone for the Eagles, leading them to multiple NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl appearance. Brian Dawkins, with his iconic No. 20 jersey, is celebrated for his years of ferocious defensive play and leadership, further cementing his legacy with a Hall of Fame induction. Interestingly, the reverence for these retired numbers often affects new team members. Josh Sweat, who initially wore No. 75 upon his draft selection in 2018 and later switched to No. 94, expressed his desire to wear No. 15. "I wanted No. 15, but that thing was retired in like 1950. I mean, y'all need to go ahead and bring that back," said Sweat, referencing Steve Van Buren’s classic number, hinting at the sense of nostalgia and history these numbers encapsulate. Another notable number yet to be reissued by the Eagles is No. 25, previously worn by LeSean McCoy, the franchise's all-time leading rusher. McCoy’s departure has left a lasting impact, similar to Foles’, underscoring the importance of jersey numbers as symbols of legacy and achievement within the team. The significance of Foles' contributions to the Eagles is immortalized not only through the unofficial retirement of his number but also through a statue inside Lincoln Financial Field. This statue serves as a physical reminder of one of the greatest moments in the franchise’s history and the man who made it possible. The history of the Philadelphia Eagles is rich with stories of perseverance, legendary performances, and notable figures whose legacies endure through their retired jersey numbers. As new players join the team and seek to make their mark, they carry forward the tradition and honor of those who have written unforgettable chapters in the Eagles' enduring saga.

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