Over a storied 91-year history, the Philadelphia Eagles have seen many remarkable players contribute to the franchise's legacy. Among the pantheon of Eagles' greats, Nick Foles holds a special place, especially following his historic performance in Super Bowl LII. His accomplishments during that postseason cemented his status as a legend in Philadelphia, and the franchise's reverence for his contributions is evident in their handling of his iconic No. 9 jersey.
Foles is the only quarterback to have led the Eagles to a Super Bowl title. His performance in that postseason was nothing short of spectacular, boasting a 72.6% completion rate and an impressive 115.7 passer rating. In Super Bowl LII, Foles threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns and even caught a touchdown pass in the now-iconic "Philly Special" play. The significance of these achievements has led to the No. 9 jersey not being reassigned since Foles' departure in 2018.
Josh Sweat, a rising star in the Eagles' defense, can attest to the revered status of Foles' number. "I wore 9 in high school and wore 9 in college. But I can't get 9 now because it's retired," Sweat revealed. It's clear that the Eagles franchise treats Foles' number with respect, as evidenced by their reluctance to reassign it, though they have not formally retired the number.
The Legacy of Retired Numbers
The Eagles have a tradition of retiring the numbers of players who have made significant contributions to the team. To date, nine numbers have been officially retired: 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 pantheon reflects the esteem with which the franchise holds its legends.
Interestingly, Josh Sweat also expressed a desire to wear No. 15, another number steeped in Eagles' history. "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 joked. His comments highlight the challenges that come with joining a franchise with such a storied history and a roster of retired numbers.
The Symbolism of Numbers and Change
After being drafted in 2018, Josh Sweat initially wore No. 75 and later switched to No. 94. His decision to don a new number speaks to his personal journey and his desire to carve out his own legacy. "I just needed a change. Just wanted to feel new," Sweat explained. The switch symbolizes a fresh start and an opportunity to make his mark on the team, away from the shadows of past legends.
Numbers hold significant meaning in sports, often serving as a symbol of a player's identity and legacy. For the Eagles, the decision to refrain from reissuing certain numbers, like Foles' No. 9 or LeSean McCoy's No. 25, underscores the lasting impact these players have had on the franchise. McCoy, the Eagles' all-time leading rusher, also has not seen his number reassigned since his departure, reflecting the franchise's respect for his contributions on the field.
A Tribute to a Super Bowl Hero
In addition to Foles' unassigned No. 9 jersey, the Eagles have further honored him with a statue inside Lincoln Financial Field. This statue stands as a tribute to his unforgettable performance and the role he played in bringing the Lombardi Trophy to Philadelphia. It serves as a lasting reminder to fans and players alike of what Foles achieved and the heights the franchise can reach.
As the Eagles continue to build towards the future, the legacy of players like Nick Foles and the reverence shown through the handling of their numbers will continue to inspire the team. With young talents like Josh Sweat, who respect the history while looking to forge their own path, the future of the Eagles appears to be in good hands. The numbers may change, but the pride and spirit of the franchise remain steadfast.