The Philadelphia Eagles franchise, with a rich history spanning 91 seasons, has had its fair share of standout players and unforgettable moments. Among these, Nick Foles holds a special place, having achieved what no other quarterback for the Eagles has—leading the team to a Super Bowl title.
Nick Foles: The Man Behind the No. 9
Nick Foles was the last player to don the No. 9 jersey, a number that has become almost legendary in Philadelphia. His unforgettable performance in Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots is etched in the annals of sports history. In that game, Foles passed for 373 yards and three touchdowns, and even caught a touchdown in a play famously known as the "Philly Special." His postseason numbers were nothing short of remarkable, boasting a 72.6% completion rate and a 115.7 passer rating.
Since Foles' departure in 2018, the No. 9 jersey has not been reassigned, signaling the respect and reverence the franchise holds for him. Josh Sweat, a talented player drafted in 2018, expressed his desire to wear No. 9 but acknowledged the jersey's unofficial retirement. "I wore 9 in high school and wore 9 in college. But I can't get 9 now because it's retired," Sweat said.
A Tradition of Retired Numbers
The Eagles have a history of formally retiring jerseys in honor of their greats. The franchise has officially retired nine 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). Each number represents a legacy of excellence and commitment to the game.
Josh Sweat humorously pointed out the long-standing tradition when he quipped, "I wanted No. 15, but that thing was retired in like 1950. I mean, y'all need to go ahead and bring that back." Instead, Sweat initially wore No. 75 and later switched to No. 94 as he sought to carve out his own identity with the team. As he put it, "I just needed a change. Just wanted to feel new."
LeSean McCoy and the Unassigned No. 25
LeSean McCoy, another Eagles legend, also finds his jersey number unofficially retired. The team has not reissued No. 25 since McCoy's departure. McCoy left an indelible mark on the franchise, becoming the Eagles' all-time leading rusher. His contributions to the team are fondly remembered by fans and players alike.
A Symbol of Victory
Nick Foles' impact goes beyond just numbers and statistics. His leadership and performance during the Super Bowl have immortalized him in Eagles lore. So much so, that a statue of Foles now stands proudly inside Lincoln Financial Field, a testament to his legacy and the unforgettable triumph he helped achieve.
In the world of professional sports, where change is constant and every season brings new faces and names, the Philadelphia Eagles' approach to honoring their legends stands out. Unofficial retirements, like that of Foles' No. 9, speak volumes about the lasting impressions certain players leave on a franchise. As the Eagles look to the future, the legacies of Nick Foles and other greats ensure that excellence remains a benchmark for the team.