A Legacy Enshrined: The Unretired No. 9 Jersey of Philadelphia Eagles and Nick Foles' Monumental Impact
The Philadelphia Eagles franchise, with a proud history spanning 91 seasons, has seen many legends grace its roster. Few, however, have left a mark as indelible as Nick Foles. The number 9, a jersey worn by Foles, remains special and unofficially retired, symbolizing the unforgettable moments he brought to Philadelphia fans.
Nick Foles, the last player to don the No. 9 jersey for the Eagles, led the team to its only Super Bowl victory. His indomitable spirit and exceptional skill culminated in a staggering 72.6% completion rate and an impeccable 115.7 passer rating during the postseason. Super Bowl LII remains etched in the memories of Eagles fans, not just for the win but for Foles’ remarkable performance – throwing for 373 yards, scoring three touchdowns, and famously catching a touchdown pass in the "Philly Special," a play that has become a part of NFL lore.
Since Foles' departure in 2018, the No. 9 jersey has not been reassigned. The Eagles have shown immense respect for Foles' contribution by regarding the number as retired, a gesture that signifies his profound impact on the franchise. Josh Sweat, drafted in 2018, wanted to continue his tradition of wearing No. 9 but found it untouchable. "I wore 9 in high school and wore 9 in college. But I can't get 9 now because it's retired," explained Sweat, highlighting the reverence the team and its fans have for Foles.
In fact, the Eagles have officially retired nine jersey numbers to honor players who changed the course of the franchise's history. This exclusive list includes legendary figures like 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 of these numbers pays homage to the vital contributions of these players, ensuring their legacies endure for generations of Eagles fans.
Interestingly, Josh Sweat noted his desire to don another retired number, showcasing his respect and admiration for the team’s legends. "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, underscoring his keen awareness of the team’s storied past. Settling initially on No. 75 and later switching to No. 94, Sweat embodies the spirit of adaptation and respect for tradition.
Beyond the numbers, Nick Foles holds a special place in the hearts of Eagles fans, immortalized in a statue that stands within Lincoln Financial Field. This statue serves as a permanent reminder of the night Foles and the Eagles captured their first Super Bowl title, embodying the sentiment of triumph and resilience that continues to inspire the franchise.
Moreover, the reticence to reissue iconic numbers extends not just to Foles but also to other significant players like LeSean McCoy, the Eagles' all-time leading rusher. The No. 25 jersey, synonymous with McCoy’s electrifying runs, has remained unworn since his departure. This tradition of treating jersey numbers with such reverence adds a layer of mystique and respect to the numerals that have graced the backs of the team’s finest players.
As the Philadelphia Eagles continue to write new chapters in their storied history, the legacy of players like Nick Foles and the symbolism attached to their jersey numbers remain integral to the narrative. While new stars emerge and the team evolves, these numbers stand as testaments to the indomitable spirit and unforgettable moments that have shaped the franchise.