In the annals of Philadelphia Eagles history, few players have left an indelible mark as profound as Nick Foles. The storied franchise, boasting a legacy that reaches back 91 seasons, found its most glorious moment under Foles' stewardship. As the quarterback who led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl title, Foles' contributions are etched not just in record books, but in the very fabric of Eagles lore.
Foles' performance in the postseason was nothing short of remarkable, highlighted by a 72.6% completion rate and an extraordinary 115.7 passer rating. His crowning achievement came on the grandest stage, Super Bowl LII, where he threw for 373 yards, scored three touchdowns, and famously caught a touchdown pass on a trick play now immortalized as the "Philly Special."
Since that 2018 departure, the No. 9 jersey, which Foles adorned during his tenure with the Eagles, has not been reassigned. In a display of reverence, the franchise treats this number as practically retired, even though it hasn't been formally placed in the annals of the team's officially retired numbers. This respect reflects the team's appreciation of Foles' monumental impact.
Eagles and Iconic Numbers
This limited reassignment is not an unfamiliar practice for the Eagles, who have formally retired nine numbers in their history. The pantheon of Eagles legends includes 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 number signifies a player whose contributions to the team and sport have been deemed irreplaceable.
Current Eagles' defensive end, Josh Sweat, echoed the significance of these numbers in an interview. "I wore 9 in high school and wore 9 in college. But I can't get 9 now because it's retired," Sweat stated, highlighting the reverence for Foles in the locker room and among the fans. Initially, drafted in 2018, Sweat took No. 75 before moving to No. 94 in his quest for a unique identity on the field, emphasizing that the reassignment of numbers is treated with a great deal of respect within the organization.
The Call for Change and Tradition
Sweat's journey with jersey numbers highlights an interesting dynamic within the franchise, balancing honor and team history with the personal preferences of its current players. "I wanted No. 15, but that thing was retired in like 1950. I mean, y'all need to go ahead and bring that back," he humorously noted, referring to the jersey of storied running back Steve Van Buren.
While the franchise upholds tradition, it also acknowledges the need for players to carve their own paths. Sweat admitted, "I just needed a change. Just wanted to feel new," reflecting the personal evolution players experience as their careers progress.
Commemorating Greatness
The Eagles' stance on jersey numbers extends beyond Foles. For instance, No. 25 has not been reissued since the departure of LeSean McCoy, who holds the title of the franchise's all-time leading rusher. This practice showcases the Eagles' respect for the exceptional careers of their players and the emotional connection fans have with these iconic numbers.
Adding to Foles' legacy within the Eagles organization is a statue inside Lincoln Financial Field, symbolizing his unparalleled contribution to the franchise's epic Super Bowl victory. This statue stands as a testament to his leadership and iconic moments, such as the "Philly Special," which will forever remain an unforgettable chapter in Eagles history.
In the world of sports, where numbers often become synonymous with the athletes who wear them, the Philadelphia Eagles' approach to jersey retirement and reassignment is a reflection of their storied history and deep-seated reverence for their legends. As new players join the ranks and carve out their legacies, the echoes of past heroes like Nick Foles remain a guiding force, inspiring future generations to strive for greatness.