The Philadelphia Eagles franchise boasts an illustrious history spanning 91 seasons, marked by numerous memorable moments and standout players. One of the pivotal figures in this storied franchise is Nick Foles, the quarterback who led the Eagles to their only Super Bowl title to date. Significantly, the No. 9 jersey, which Foles donned with distinction, has not been reassigned since his departure in 2018, hinting at its revered status within the organization.
Nick Foles: The Legacy of No. 9
Foles etched his name into Eagles lore with an unforgettable performance during the 2017 season. His impressive postseason statistics, including a 72.6% completion rate and a 115.7 passer rating, underscored his vital role in the team's success. Foles' heroics culminated in Super Bowl LII, where he threw for 373 yards, three touchdowns, and even caught a touchdown pass in a play famously known as the "Philly Special".
Nick Foles and his No. 9 jersey became synonymous with the Eagles' triumph, leading to an affectionate and almost sacred regard for the number. As it stands, the franchise has retired nine numbers officially, including those worn by legends such as Donovan McNabb (5), Steve Van Buren (15), and Brian Dawkins (20). Foles' contribution to the franchise, while not officially marked by a retired jersey, is honored in spirit, reflective in the organization's decision not to reassign his number. A testament to this reverence is the statue of Foles at Lincoln Financial Field, ensuring his legacy is immortalized.
Josh Sweat and Jersey Traditions
Josh Sweat, a rising star in the Eagles' defense, found himself embroiled in the jersey narrative when he sought the No. 9 upon entering the league in 2018. "I wore 9 in high school and wore 9 in college. But I can't get 9 now because it's retired," Sweat remarked, revealing the internal respect for Foles' number. Instead, Sweat initially wore No. 75 and later, following his growth and success, transitioned to No. 94.
Sweat's journey with jersey numbers didn't stop there. He also expressed a desire for No. 15, humorously noting the long-retired status of the number. "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 joked. His comments highlight the rich tapestry of history and tradition that accompanies the Eagles' jerseys.
LeSean McCoy's Lasting Impact
It's not just Foles' number that has seen a quasi-retirement. Another significant figure in recent Eagles history is LeSean McCoy, the franchise's all-time leading rusher. Since McCoy left the team, the Eagles have similarly not reissued his No. 25, further demonstrating the organization's respect and recognition of its great contributors.
The connections between a player and their jersey number often hold deep personal and professional significance. These affiliations reflect the player's journey and their impact on the franchise's legacy. McCoy's No. 25 is held in a reverence parallel to that of Foles' No. 9, representing milestones and moments that define the Eagles' history.
Honoring the Eagles' Tradition
The Philadelphia Eagles have formally retired a select number of jerseys, each carrying the legacy of a franchise icon. Donovan McNabb's No. 5, Steve Van Buren's No. 15, and Reggie White's No. 92 are amongst the nine numbers immortalized. These jerseys serve as constant reminders of the contributions and greatness achieved by these players, embedding them into the identity of the franchise.
The decision to hold off on reassigning certain numbers like those of Foles and McCoy, despite not being formally retired, underscores the adoration the franchise and its fans hold for these players. The unofficial retirement serves as a mark of respect, acknowledging their invaluable contributions and solidifying their lasting impact on the team.
In essence, the Philadelphia Eagles' approach to jersey numbers, replete with rich histories and emotional significance, underscores the deep cultural fabric of the franchise. The reverence for Nick Foles' No. 9 and LeSean McCoy's No. 25, along with the officially retired numbers, celebrates the storied legacy of one of the NFL's most cherished franchises.