The Eagles have been around for a long time. They were founded in 1933, making them the 8th oldest team in the NFL. Some of those teams older than them either moved or changed their name at that time, while the Eagles have always been the Eagles, except for one year in the 40s when they merged with the Steelers to become the Steagles.
Throughout those 80+ years of existence, things have not always been great. In the 40s they were a near dynasty, winning two National Championships at the end of the decade. Then in 1960, they took down the juggernaut that was Vince Lombardi’s Packers. But once the Super Bowl era started, the Eagles winning ways ended for a long time. It took until 1980 for them to make a Super Bowl, and until 2017 to win one. The Andy Reid era featured a ton of wins, just not in the most important game of the year.
But despite the lack of Super Bowl Rings until recently, there have still been a lot of great players to come through Philly. Some All-Time great players. The likes of Reggie White, Jerome Brown, Brian Dawkins, and more. In fact, the Eagles have sent 25 players to the Hall of Fame.
But there is an honor even more rare, saved for only the greatest players in franchise history. Having your Jersey retired.
So far only 9 players have been given that honor. But are there more on the way? Let’s first look at the 9 guys whose Jersey numbers have already been retired. And then let’s look at the cases of more guys who may have a shot at one day seeing their numbers up there among the other greats in team history.
Related: Brandon Graham Retires After 15 Years With The Eagles
Here are the Eagles who have already had their numbers retired:
#5- Donovan McNabb (QB, 1999–2009)
McNabb’s legacy in Philly is complicated. It is a shame he never quite gelled with the fans. He is the greatest QB in Eagles history. So he deserved to have his number retired. But he is barely part of the team anymore. You don’t see him still doing things in the city like Brian Dawkins and other Eagles legends do. He just never got over getting booed, and fans never got over him not getting over it. It sucks that this is the case. But despite all of that, retiring his number 5 was still the right choice.
#15- Steve Van Buren (RB, 1944–1951)
Van Buren was a massive part of the Eagles’ two NFL Championships in the 40s. He was a 5-time All-Pro, a Hall of Famer, and the Eagles’ All-Time leading rusher for a long time. He still holds the record for rushing touchdowns. Until Brian Westbrook and LeSean McCoy came around, he was pretty much the consensus greatest Eagles RB ever. It’s hard to compare guys from different eras, but based purely on accomplishments, Van Buren still has a very strong case.
#20- Brian Dawkins (S, 1996–2008)
The favorite Eagle of most people my age. Brian Dawkins was with the Eagles for over a decade. He is one of the greatest Safeties of all time and has a case to be the greatest Eagle of all time. Once he went into the Hall of Fame it was an obvious move to take 20 out of circulation. Outside of Reggie White, no one on this list is more deserving of the honor than Weapon X.
#40- Tom Brookshier (DB, 1953, 1956–1961)
Brookshier’s career was shorter than it should have been. Injuries ended it early, and he also missed two seasons to serve in the Military. But he was a two-time Pro Bowler, part of the Championship team that beat the Packers in 1960. What really sealed his place is what he did post-career. He was part of the Eagles’ local broadcast team until the NFL did away with local teams, and then moved into being one of the premier broadcasters forming a legendary broadcast duo with Pat Summerall.
#44 – Pete Retzlaff (TE/WR, 1956–1966)
When Pistol Pete retired, he led the Eagles in receptions and receiving yards. He is still 2nd in yards and 3rd in receptions. What’s weird is the guy who passed him in both stats, Harold Carmichael, has not only not had his number 17 retired, but it’s been worn by multiple people since, including Nakobe Dean right now. But even if Carmichael got snubbed, it’s hard to argue against Retzlaff.
#60 – Chuck Bednarik (C/LB, 1949–1962)
For a long time, Bednarik was the greatest Eagles of all time. People who watched him play may still argue his case. 10 All-Pros, 2 National Championships, and an induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Concrete Charlie was a legend. His crushing hit on Frank Gifford is still among the greatest moments in NFL History.
#70 – Al Wistert (OT, 1943–1951)
Weistert is 4 time All-Pro, and is an Eagles Hall of Famer. But not an NFL Hall of Famer. He was another part of the Eagles team in the 40s that won multiple NFL Championships. He spent all 9 years of his career with the Eagles, including one year when they merged with the Steelers to become the Steagles.
#92 -Reggie White (DE, 1985–1992)
Reggie White is not just the greatest Eagle ever, he is one of the best players in NFL history period. White is two sacks short of Bruce Smith for the most in NFL History. Recently there was a graphic showing that TJ Watt passed his brother JJ on the list of most sacks in a player’s first 100 games. What stood out to me though was that White was number one with 105, 17 more than TJ at 2. White is a legend.
#99 – Jerome Brown (DT, 1987–1991)
Jerome Brown’s jersey retirement was not the glorious celebration it should have been. Instead, it was a ceremony mixed with grief after he passed away way too young, still in the prime of his career. In an ideal world, Jerome Brown would have been coming here as a 50-year-old man and Philly would be celebrating his long and successful career. Regardless, Brown is worthy of the honor.
People Whose Numbers Could Be Retired
Now let’s look at 8 guys who have a case for it. These are either guys still on the team, or guys whose number has not been worn since they left the Eagles. Meaning there could be a chance the Eagles are planning on retiring their number. Harold Carmichael would be on here, but enough people have worn #17 that it seems they have no plans of retiring the number.
#12- Randall Cunningham
It feels like if they were going to retire his number, they would have by now. With that said, his number 12 has been untouched since he left Philly. So clearly there is some consideration, and deservedly so. Cunningham’s time here will forever be a missed opportunity. So much talent, but a Head Coach completely incapable of utilizing it. At the very least they should keep his number 12 untouched for as long as possible.
Photo By Stephen Dunn /Getty ImagesPhoto By Stephen Dunn /Getty Images
#62- Jason Kelce
This one is a no-brainer. He is the greatest Center in Eagles history, a lock for the Hall Of Fame, and one of the most popular players in the city. Not to mention he is one of the main faces form the Eagles first ever Super Bowl. It is just a matter of when and not if. Like with most guys, they will probably wait until he is inducted into the Hall of Fame.
(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
#65- Lane Johnson
Lane is going to be a Hall of Famer, he won 2 Super Bowls here, and will get a chance at more. Like Kelce he should be a no-brainer. Being on the Super Bowl Winning team is worthy of there being multiple numbers retired from that one team. Being on both Super Bowl teams makes the case even stronger. And Lane is a big reason why they won both.
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
#71- Jason Peters
Like Kelce, Peters is a lock for the Hall of Fame. That is a good start. He was on the Super Bowl-winning team, though he was injured and did not play. He protected the Eagles’ blind side for 11 years, though most Eagles fans wish that reign ended two years earlier. He is not as sure of a yes as Kelce is. Him holding on a bit too long hurt his reputation with Eagles fans a bit. But even considering that, Peters is probably the best player the Eagles had that whole era. No one should wear 71 again.
(Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images)
#91- Fletcher Cox
Cox gets a bit disrespected. The guy is a Hall of Famer and became one of the Eagles’ most important leaders later in his career. In his prime, he was one of the best in the whole league. Even later in his career, he was a solid player. If he gets into the Hall, and he should, he should also see his number 91 taken out of circulation for good.
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
