Nick Foles' Indelible Legacy in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Eagles fans have a deep well of memories spanning the franchise's 91 seasons. Over the years, numerous players have left an indelible mark on the team's history, but few have done so as emphatically as quarterback Nick Foles. Foles, who most notably led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl title, is forever etched into the annals of Philadelphia sports history.
After wearing No. 9 for the Eagles, Nick Foles emerged as a pivotal figure in the team's success. He not only guided the team to victory in Super Bowl LII but did so in spectacular fashion, completing 72.6% of his passes and achieving a postseason passer rating of 115.7. Foles' Super Bowl performance included 373 yards, three touchdowns, and even a touchdown catch on the play famously known as the "Philly Special." This play, forever immortalized in Eagles folklore, saw Foles catch a touchdown pass, encapsulating his versatility and big-game temperament.
Since Foles’ departure in 2018, the Eagles have not reassigned the No. 9 jersey, effectively regarding it as retired. Defensive end Josh Sweat, who was drafted by the Eagles in 2018, expressed his desire to wear No. 9, albeit acknowledging its untouchable status. "I wore 9 in high school and wore 9 in college. But I can’t get 9 now because it’s retired," Sweat remarked, underscoring the respect the organization has for Foles' contributions.
In truth, the Eagles have officially retired nine numbers in their storied history. The select group includes 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 signifies a legacy of excellence, much like the unassigned No. 9 of Nick Foles and the No. 25 of the franchise's all-time leading rusher, LeSean McCoy.
When discussing retired numbers, Sweat humorously noted the lengths to which traditions go back, specifically mentioning the No. 15 worn by Steve Van Buren—a number retired around 1950. "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, pointing to the profound history represented by these numbers.
Josh Sweat began his Eagles career wearing No. 75, a number he eventually swapped for No. 94. Reflecting on his decision to change, Sweat explained, "I just needed a change. Just wanted to feel new." It’s a sentiment that captures the constant evolution and renewal within the team, even as they honor their iconic players.
The reverence for Nick Foles extends beyond the unassigned jersey number. His heroics have been physically immortalized with a statue inside Lincoln Financial Field, serving as a daily reminder for fans and players alike of his monumental achievements. It stands as a testament to a player who epitomized grit, resilience, and triumph against the odds.
As the Eagles continue to navigate their future seasons, the echoes of past legends like Foles reverberate, inspiring new generations of players. The significant jersey numbers held back from reassignment symbolize the honor and high standards set by these past greats, shaping the culture and expectations within the organization.
In a league where franchises and players often seek new narratives to define their seasons, the Philadelphia Eagles stand firm on a legacy defined by legendary figures. Nick Foles, with his No. 9, remains a central figure in that storied history, his legacy protected and cherished by a city that will forever remember his contributions on and off the field.