Nick Foles: The Icon Behind the Eagles' Irreplaceable No. 9
The Philadelphia Eagles, a franchise with 91 seasons etched into the annals of NFL history, have seen legends come and go. Yet, few have left an indelible mark quite like Nick Foles – the quarterback hero who led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl victory. Foles, donning the No. 9 jersey, etched his name into Eagles' folklore with a series of postseason performances that remain the gold standard for quarterback play under pressure.
In what was nothing short of a storied run, Foles achieved an astonishing 72.6% completion rate and a 115.7 passer rating during the playoffs. His crowning moment came in Super Bowl LII where he threw for 373 yards, three touchdowns, and even caught a touchdown pass, a play famously known as the "Philly Special." Such is his legacy that the Eagles' organization has not reassigned the No. 9 jersey since his departure in 2018.
For current Eagles players like Josh Sweat, the impact of Foles' legacy is palpable. "I wore 9 in high school and wore 9 in college. But I can’t get 9 now because it's retired," Sweat remarked. Despite his desire to carry on the tradition of his favored number, Sweat respects the unwritten rule that the jersey is off-limits. This acknowledgment speaks volumes about the reverence inside the Eagles' locker room for the man who brought a Super Bowl title to Philadelphia.
A Tradition of Honoring Legends
The Eagles have a history of paying homage to their legends by retiring jersey numbers, a tradition that speaks to the esteem in which they hold their former players. Officially, nine numbers have been retired by the franchise. These include the likes of 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 of these players left a legacy that demanded such honor, and Foles' contribution, although unofficially, seems to have earned him a similar status.
For Josh Sweat, the path to finding his number wasn’t straightforward. Initially donning No. 75, he later switched to No. 94 after joining the Eagles in 2018. His journey reflects the unique challenges players face when trying to create their own identity within a franchise steeped in tradition. "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 quipped, highlighting the bittersweet humor involved in navigating a team's storied past while trying to forge a new chapter.
LeSean McCoy: Another Unreissued Number
While Foles' No. 9 holds a special place, it’s not the only number currently out of circulation. The Eagles have also not reissued No. 25 since the departure of their all-time leading rusher, LeSean McCoy. McCoy’s departure left a void that has yet to be filled, both on the field and in jersey assignments. These decisions underscore a respect and recognition that transcends the usual roster changes that most teams undergo.
A Monument to Achievement
To fully appreciate Nick Foles' impact, one merely needs to visit Lincoln Financial Field, where a statue immortalizes the quarterback in a moment of glory. This tribute serves not only as a reminder of the Eagles' historic Super Bowl win but also as a symbol of what can be achieved with grit, determination, and a touch of magic. For fans and players alike, it stands as a testament to the heights the franchise can reach when propelled by extraordinary talent and unwavering resolve.
In a league where numbers and jerseys typically rotate frequently, the Eagles' approach to honoring their greats through symbolic gestures such as retiring or reserving jersey numbers is a powerful statement. It is a tradition that preserves the legacy of those who have shaped the franchise’s history, ensuring that their contributions are forever remembered.