The Philadelphia Eagles have a storied history spanning 91 seasons, but in recent years, no single player has captivated the hearts of fans quite like Nick Foles. The only quarterback to lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl title, Foles left a lasting legacy on the franchise—a legacy that includes the iconic No. 9 jersey.
Nick Foles and Super Bowl LII
Foles etched his name into NFL history with his performance in Super Bowl LII. With a stellar 72.6% completion rate and a 115.7 passer rating in the postseason, Foles demonstrated composure and skill. In the Super Bowl, he threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns, and even caught a touchdown on the trick play known as the "Philly Special." This performance earned him the Super Bowl MVP and secured his place in Eagles lore.
Preserving the Legacy
Since Foles' departure in 2018, the Eagles have not reassigned the No. 9 jersey—a silent but powerful nod to his impact. "I wore 9 in high school and wore 9 in college. But I can't get 9 now because it's retired," said Eagles defensive end, Josh Sweat. This sentiment underscores the weight the franchise places on Foles' contributions.
Coupled with Foles' legend, the Eagles franchise has formally retired nine other numbers, honoring players 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 jerseys hang symbolically, untouched, ensuring the legacies of these greats remain intact. Josh Sweat humorously remarked, "I wanted No. 15, but that thing was retired in like 1950. I mean, y'all need to go ahead and bring that back."
The Jersey Shuffle
Sweat, initially drafted by the Eagles in 2018, first donned No. 75 and later switched to No. 94. "I just needed a change. Just wanted to feel new," he explained, encapsulating the desire of many players to carve out their own unique identities within a storied franchise.
In addition to safeguarding Foles' number, the Eagles have also not reissued No. 25 since LeSean McCoy's departure. McCoy, who holds the title of the Eagles' all-time leading rusher, has left an indelible mark on the team. By preserving these numbers, the Eagles ensure that the memories and contributions of their most impactful players endure.
A Monument to Remember
Foles' impact extends beyond the numbers and statistics. To commemorate his legendary Super Bowl performance, the Eagles erected a statue of him inside Lincoln Financial Field—a constant reminder of the glory he brought to Philadelphia. As fans pass by it, they are transported back to the triumphant moments of Super Bowl LII and the "Philly Special."
The Eagles' reverence for their history, their retired numbers, and the players who wore them reflect a deep respect for the legacies built over 91 seasons. Through moves like retiring jerseys and erecting statues, the franchise ensures that its storied past remains a vibrant part of its present and future.
At a time when the sports world often shifts focus rapidly from one star to the next, the Eagles' dedication to preserving their history offers a grounding sense of continuity and honor. As fans and players alike look to the past for inspiration, they find a wealth of heroism and excellence that will undoubtedly shape the future of this proud franchise.