Philadelphia Eagles and the Tale of Nick Foles' No. 9 Jersey
The Philadelphia Eagles franchise, steeped in rich history over 91 seasons, has a long-standing tradition of honoring its greatest players. In this storied narrative, no figure commands the respect and reverence quite like quarterback Nick Foles, the only quarterback to lead the Eagles to their coveted Super Bowl title.
Nick Foles' performance during Super Bowl LII remains the stuff of legends among Eagles fans. With a stellar completion rate of 72.6% and a remarkable passer rating of 115.7 in the postseason, Foles' feats on the field etched his name into the annals of NFL history. On that fateful day, he racked up 373 yards and three touchdowns, which included the iconic touchdown catch known as the "Philly Special."
This historic play and Foles' masterclass performance ensured that the No. 9 jersey would forever be celebrated in the hearts of Philadelphia faithful. Since Foles' departure in 2018, the Eagles have not reassigned No. 9, treating it with the same sanctity as if it were formally retired. Reflecting on the sentimental value of the jersey, Eagles defensive end Josh Sweat remarked, "I wore 9 in high school and wore 9 in college. But I can't get 9 now because it's retired."
Indeed, the Eagles hold a profound respect for their number traditions. Officially, the team has retired only nine numbers, among them Donovan McNabb's No. 5, Steve Van Buren's No. 15, and Reggie White's No. 92. Josh Sweat, who initially donned No. 75 and later switched to No. 94 after being drafted in 2018, hinted at the possibility of retiring Foles' number. "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, touching on the broader topic of the team's retired jerseys.
Further highlighting the esteem in which Foles is held, the Eagles have erected a statue of their Super Bowl MVP inside Lincoln Financial Field. This testament to Foles' legacy serves as both a physical and symbolic reminder of his contributions to the franchise.
Beyond Foles, the Eagles have also shown reluctance to reissue other significant numbers. For instance, No. 25 has remained untouched since LeSean McCoy's departure. As the all-time leading rusher for the Eagles, McCoy's number holds its own place in the franchise's lore.
While the Eagles have not gone as far as formally retiring all these symbolic numbers, their actions speak volumes. The numbers serve as touchstones for what these players have achieved and the indelible mark they left on the franchise. As such, the unassigned No. 9 stands as an unofficial banner, flying high in tribute to Nick Foles' extraordinary contribution to the Eagles' history.
Josh Sweat's journey with the Eagles underscores the importance of finding a suitable number, not just for the player but also for the legacy it carries. "I just needed a change. Just wanted to feel new," Sweat shared, encapsulating the delicate balance between honoring the past and making one's mark within the team.
The tale of the Philadelphia Eagles and their iconic jerseys reflects a broader narrative of respect, sportsmanship, and reverence for the players who have shaped the franchise. As the Eagles continue to forge ahead, these unassigned numbers stand silently in the background, whispering the glories of yesteryears and inspiring future generations of players.