The Eagles have been around for a long time. They were founded in 1933, making then the 8th oldest team in the NFL. And some of those teams older than them have either moved or changed their name in that time, while the Eagles have always been the Eagles, except for one year in the 40s where 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. 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, thee 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 lets look at the cases of 8 more guys who may have a shot at one day seeing their numbers up there among the other greats in teamhistory.
Here are the Eagles who have already had their numbers retired:
#20- Brian Dawkins
The favorite Eagle of most people my age. Brian Dawkins was 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.
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
#99 - Jerome Brown
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.
6 SEP 1992: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES FANS HANG A BANNER IN MEMORY OF EAGLES DEFENSIVE LINEMAN JEROME BROWN #99 DURING THE EAGLES 15-13 WIN OVER THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT VETERANS STADIUM IN PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.
#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 m 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 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, has won won Super Bowl here, and has a chance at a second. 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. And Lane is a big reason why they won it.
(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 maybe gets a bit disrespected. The guy is a Hall of Famer, and has become one of the Eagles most important leaders later in his career. He may not be the player he used to be, but that is because in his prime, he was one of the best in the whole league. Even now he is still 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)
