Few franchises in the NFL embody a storied history as rich as that of the Philadelphia Eagles. With a narrative spanning 91 seasons, the Eagles have seen legendary players don their iconic green and white uniforms. Among these legends, one number has come to hold special significance: No. 9. This number, once worn by Nick Foles, carries a legacy that continues to resonate within Lincoln Financial Field and among the Eagles' faithful.
Nick Foles' Iconic No. 9
Nick Foles was the last player to wear the No. 9 jersey for the Philadelphia Eagles. Foles is etched into the annals of Eagles history as the only quarterback to lead the team to a Super Bowl title. His remarkable postseason performance, highlighted by a 72.6% completion rate and a 115.7 passer rating, established him as a Philadelphia legend. Super Bowl LII further solidified his legacy, where Foles threw for 373 yards, three touchdowns, and famously caught a touchdown in the play known as the "Philly Special."
Since Foles' departure in 2018, the Eagles have not reassigned No. 9. This deliberate choice has led many to believe that the number is, in effect, retired. Defensive end Josh Sweat, who had aspirations of wearing the No. 9 jersey, expressed his disappointment candidly: "I wore 9 in high school and wore 9 in college. But I can't get 9 now because it's retired."
A Tribute to Greatness
The reverence for Foles' contribution to the franchise is evident not just in the unassigned No. 9 but also in a statue of Foles inside Lincoln Financial Field. This statue stands as a testament to his influence and the indelible mark he left on the team and its supporters.
The Eagles’ practice of not reissuing certain jersey numbers speaks volumes about the respect they hold for their former players. While nine numbers have been formally retired, including Donovan McNabb’s No. 5, Brian Dawkins’ No. 20, and Reggie White’s No. 92, the symbolic retirement of Foles' No. 9 and LeSean McCoy's No. 25 signifies the franchise's appreciation for their contributions.
The Heritage of No. 15
Josh Sweat's quest for a meaningful jersey number led him to another hurdle. "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 remarked. No. 15 was retired in honor of Steve Van Buren, one of the greatest players in Eagles history. Sweat initially donned No. 75 and later switched to No. 94 after being drafted in 2018, reflecting a desire to find a number that resonated with his evolving role on the team: "I just needed a change. Just wanted to feel new."
A Legacy of Excellence
The Eagles' decision to retire jersey numbers is not taken lightly. Each retirement is a nod to the player's impact and legacy. Notable names like Chuck Bednarik (No. 60), Tom Brookshier (No. 40), and Jerome Brown (No. 99) are immortalized through this practice. These players represent the heart and soul of the Eagles, each having contributed significantly to the franchise's history and culture.
While Foles may no longer be with the team, his legacy—and with it, the No. 9 jersey—will forever be an integral part of the Philadelphia Eagles' history. The reverence held for past players ensures that their contributions are remembered and celebrated by both the franchise and its fans for generations to come.