The Philadelphia Eagles franchise is rich with history, spanning over 91 seasons of triumphs, trials, and historic moments. Among the most recent and cherished entries in their storied annals is the era symbolized by the No. 9 jersey, worn by quarterback Nick Foles.
Nick Foles' tenure with the Eagles is forever immortalized by a series of extraordinary performances, culminating in a Super Bowl LII victory—the franchise's first. Notably, Foles led the Eagles with a 72.6% completion rate and a 115.7 passer rating throughout the postseason. His staggering 373 yards, three touchdowns, and a memorable touchdown catch in the Super Bowl, known as the "Philly Special," secured his legend within the Eagles' lore.
Since Foles' departure in 2018, the Eagles have not reassigned the number 9 jersey. The gesture is a mark of respect for Foles' contributions and is indicative of how the franchise regards his legacy. For current Eagles players, the significance of the number is evident. "I wore 9 in high school and wore 9 in college. But I can't get 9 now because it's retired," said linebacker Josh Sweat, reflecting the reverence surrounding Foles' number.
Retiring Numbers and Honoring Legends
The tradition of retiring jersey numbers is a solemn one, reserved for athletes who have provided exceptional service and delivered extraordinary performances for the franchise. The Eagles have officially retired nine jersey numbers: 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). This list reads as a who's who of Eagles' legends, each number carrying its own weight of history and accomplishment.
The informal retirement of Nick Foles' No. 9 adds a new chapter to this tradition. Despite not being officially retired, the hesitation to reassign the number underscores its symbolic importance. Josh Sweat echoed this sentiment when he shared his own experiences in choosing a jersey 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 remarked, with a touch of humor about Steve Van Buren's long-retired number.
A Changing of Numbers
For players like Josh Sweat, the changing of a jersey number can represent a fresh start or a new phase in their career. Initially drafted in 2018, Sweat wore No. 75 before switching to No. 94. "I just needed a change. Just wanted to feel new," Sweat explained, illustrating his personal motivation behind the number switch.
LeSean McCoy's number 25 also hasn’t been reissued by the Eagles since his departure. McCoy stands as the franchise's all-time leading rusher, and while his number has not been formally retired, its reassignment remains pending. Like Foles, McCoy's impact on the field has earned him a place of honor within the team's history.
The Symbolism Inside Lincoln Financial Field
Beyond the numbers, physical monuments also honor the greats of the game. Within Lincoln Financial Field, fans and players alike can find a statue of Nick Foles—a testament to his indelible mark on the franchise. Such tributes serve as a constant reminder of the heights reached and the legacy left behind by these pivotal players.
As the Eagles continue to forge ahead, the memories and milestones held by retired and symbolically retired numbers will anchor the franchise's future endeavors. Each jersey, each statue, tells a story of greatness, setting a high bar for those who don the Philadelphia Eagles colors.