The Philadelphia Eagles, a franchise with a storied history spanning 91 seasons, have seen their share of unforgettable moments and legendary players. Among these legends, Nick Foles stands tall, not just for his contributions on the field but also for the lasting legacy he left behind, particularly with the iconic No. 9 jersey.
The Legacy of No. 9
Nick Foles' tenure with the Eagles is a chapter that fans of the team will always hold dear. Foles, who was the last player to don the No. 9 jersey, etched his name into Eagles lore by leading the team to its first-ever Super Bowl title. His remarkable postseason performance saw him achieve a 72.6% completion rate and an impressive 115.7 passer rating, culminating in a historical Super Bowl LII appearance. During the game, Foles threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns, and even caught a touchdown pass himself in a play that has been immortalized as the "Philly Special."
Since Foles' departure in 2018, No. 9 has not been reassigned by the Eagles. Many speculate this is in recognition of his extraordinary contributions, even though the number hasn’t been formally retired like some of the other greats from Eagles history. Defensive end Josh Sweat, who joined the Eagles in 2018, found out firsthand about the reverence for No. 9.
Josh Sweat's Number Journey
"I wore 9 in high school and wore 9 in college. But I can't get 9 now because it's retired," Sweat remarked. Initially wearing No. 75, Sweat later switched to No. 94, realizing that certain jersey numbers held significant weight in the franchise. In a candid moment, he even expressed a playful opinion on the Eagles' retired numbers. "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.
The Eagles have formally retired nine numbers, a testament to their rich history of outstanding players. The hallowed list 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).
The McCoy Factor
Much like Foles, another player whose jersey number has remained untouched since his departure is LeSean McCoy. McCoy, the Eagles' all-time leading rusher, made a significant impact during his time with the team, and No. 25 has not been reissued since his exit. This practice of unofficially retiring numbers points to the organization's deep respect for the players who have dramatically influenced the team's success and culture.
A Statue of Grandeur
Adding another layer to Foles' legend, there is a statue of him inside Lincoln Financial Field. This tribute serves as a constant reminder to fans and players alike of the magic Foles brought during the Eagles' championship run. Such honors are rare and signify the extraordinary impact Foles had, not merely as a player but as a symbol of hope and victory for the franchise.
Significance and Sentiment
For the Eagles, jersey numbers are more than just identifiers. They carry history, legacy, and sentiment. The careful consideration of reassigning or retiring numbers reflects the team's commitment to honoring players who have left an indelible mark. Whether formally retired or held in silent reverence, these numbers and the stories behind them continue to inspire both current players and the fervent Philadelphia fan base.
In the end, numbers like 9 and 25 go beyond the fabric they're stitched onto. They become emblems of greatness, moments of triumph, and enduring legacies that shape the identity of the Philadelphia Eagles. And for fans, these numbers are a link to the cherished memories of past glories and the promise of future triumphs.