Nick Foles and the Legacy of the No. 9 Jersey for the Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles franchise, with a history spanning 91 seasons, has seen many remarkable players don its jerseys. However, few jerseys have garnered as much reverence as the No. 9 jersey, last worn by Nick Foles.
Foles holds a unique place in the annals of Eagles history. As the only quarterback to lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl title, he cemented his legacy in Philadelphia sports lore. His performance in Super Bowl LII was nothing short of legendary, with 373 passing yards, three touchdowns, and a now-iconic touchdown catch known as the "Philly Special." His postseason statistics are equally impressive, boasting a 72.6% completion rate and a 115.7 passer rating.
Reflecting on Foles' contribution to the franchise, the Eagles have not reassigned No. 9 since his departure in 2018. This decision speaks volumes about the esteem in which the team holds him. Defensive end Josh Sweat experienced this reverence firsthand. "I wore 9 in high school and wore 9 in college. But I can't get 9 now because it's retired," he noted. Sweat eventually opted for No. 94 after initially wearing No. 75, highlighting the influence of Foles’ legacy on current players.
Josh Sweat's search for a jersey underscores the broader tradition of jersey retirement in the franchise. The Eagles have formally 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). Sweat's desire for No. 15, in particular, illustrates the enduring significance of these numbers. "I wanted No. 15, but that thing was retired in like 1950. I mean, y'all need to go ahead and bring that back," he quipped, acknowledging the honor tied to these storied numerals.
Sweat's journey to find his jersey number wasn't just about paying homage. "I just needed a change. Just wanted to feel new," he remarked, reflecting a common sentiment among athletes seeking a fresh start or hoping to make their own mark in the league.
Among the other numbers the Eagles have refrained from reissuing is No. 25, which LeSean McCoy wore. McCoy, the team's all-time leading rusher, left a significant legacy with the Eagles, and like Foles, his contribution has been honored by not reassigning his jersey number.
The respect and admiration for Foles' contributions are also immortalized in a statue inside Lincoln Financial Field. This tangible tribute allows fans and players alike to remember the high point of the franchise's storied history.
The decision to hold certain jersey numbers in a quasi-retired state, as with the No. 9 and No. 25, shows the Eagles' deep respect for their history and the players who have significantly impacted the team. For fans and players, these jerseys are more than just numbers; they are symbols of greatness and legacy.
As the Eagles continue to build on their storied history, the reverence for past heroes like Nick Foles ensures that their achievements are never forgotten. This respect perpetuates a culture of excellence and pride, motivating current and future Eagles to strive for greatness. For Josh Sweat and his teammates, donning the Philadelphia green comes with understanding and honoring the legends who came before them.