It goes without saying that the Philadelphia Eagles have one of the biggest fanbases in the NFL. Ever since they were established in July 1933, they've had their fair share of superstars and Hall of Famers, even though they haven't found the success they would have hoped for. Throughout their history, the Eagles have won the ultimate prize four times (3 NFL Championships, 1 Super Bowl) out of their 27 playoff appearances.
The Eagles have had some ups and downs over the years, but their loyal fans have always stayed put side by side with their team, and it's hard to blame them considering how many great players they've had. We can only place 25 on our list so let's get to it!
Honorable Mention: Jason Kelce, Brent Celek, Seth Joyner, Jon Runyan, Timmy Brown, Bobby Walston, Clyde Simmons, David Akers, Michael Vick, Darren Sproles
25. Ron Jaworski - QB
Stats: 28,190 Passing Yards, 179 TD, 164 INT, 53.1% Completion Percentage
Accolades: Pro-Bowl, NFC Player of the Year, NFL record for longest touchdown pass (99 yards)
Championships: 0
While he doesn't get the praise and recognition he deserves, Ron Jaworski was the best quarterback in Philadelphia Eagles history before Donovan McNabb came along. He led them to their first-ever Super Bowl berth and even though he didn't find much success in the postseason, he still made them perennial contenders for almost a decade. He only trails McNabb for most passing yards and touchdowns in franchise history.
24. Bob Brown - OT
Stats: 2 Fumble Recoveries
Accolades: 6x Pro-Bowl, 9x All-Pro
Championships: 0
While it's not usual to see offensive tackles cracking this kind of list, Bob Brown definitely earned every single compliment throughout his career with the Eagles. Sitting at a massive 280 pounds, he was a never-ending source of grittiness and energy that completely demolished opposing defenses. He was the ultimate offensive linesman thanks to his toughness and durability.
23. Zach Ertz - TE
Stats: 549 Receptions, 5,921 Receiving Yards, 36 Receiving Touchdowns
Accolades: 3x Pro-Bowl, NFL record for most receptions by a tight end in a season (116)
Championships: 1
While he's still leaving his mark on the franchise, there's no denying that Zach Ertz is already one of the most productive players to ever put on an Eagles uniform. He holds the franchise record for most receptions in a game (14). He's also tied for 6th most receiving touchdowns and receiving yards all-time for them. His elite pass-catching ability and his expertise as a blocker have made him one of the best tight ends in modern history and a lock to climb this list once it's all said and done.
22. Randal Cunningham - QB
Stats: 29,979 Passing Yards, 207 TD, 134 INT, 56.6% Completion Percentage, 4,928 Rushing Yards, 35 Rushing Touchdowns
Accolades: 4x Pro-Bowl, 2x All-Pro, NFL Passer Rating Leader, NFL Comeback Player of the Year
Championships: 0
Randal Cunningham is one of the most underrated signal-callers of all time. He was the first to establish the mobile quarterback with his ability to outrun defenders thanks to his speed and athleticism. He could throw the ball downfield with ease thanks to one of the strongest arms ever and was the true definition of a dual-threat player. Up to this day, he still ranks 3rd in passing yards (22,877) and 6th in rushing yards (4,482) in Eagles history.
21. Jerome Brown - DT
Stats: 29.5 Sacks, 3 Interceptions
Accolades: 2x Pro-Bowl, 2x All-Pro
Championships: 0
It's hard to wonder what could have been of Jerome Brown's career if it wasn't for that car accident that cut his life short at the age of 27. Even so, 5 years were more than enough for him to crack the Eagles' 75th-anniversary team and be considered one of the most dominant defensive tackles of his generation. He was the anchor of the league's best defense during his brief time in the league.
20. DeSean Jackson - WR
Stats: 598 Receptions, 10,420 Receiving Yards, 55 Receiving Touchdowns, 1,350 Return Yards, 4 Return Touchdowns
Accolades: 3x Pro-Bowl, All-Pro
Championships: 0
While injury-prone, DeSean Jackson has to get his props as one of the greatest big-play threats in the history of the NFL. He either dropped a wide-open pass or get off to the races on a 50+ reception, there was no middle ground with him. He currently holds the 4th-most receiving yards in Eagles history (6,431) and only trails Jerry Rice (36) with 31 50+ receiving touchdowns in NFL history.
19. Nick Foles - QB
Stats: 13,647 Passing Yards, 81 TD, 42 INT, 62.4% Completion Percentage
Accolades: NFL Passer Rating Leader, 1x Pro Bowl, Super Bowl MVP
Championships: 1
This one may cause a bit of controversy but let's just take a look at the facts here. The fact is that Nick Foles was pretty solid for the Eagles when he was healthy during both of his stints with the team, and that he took over the injured Carson Wentz in 2017 to lead the franchise to their first-ever Super Bowl win. Truth to be told, it seems like he's a completely different player once he puts those Eagles threads on.
18. Jason Peters - OT
Stats: 2 Receiving Touchdowns
Accolades: 9x Pro-Bowl, 6x All-Pro
Championships: 1
Jason Peters made it to the NFL as an undrafted tight end and shifted to left tackle, which only makes his flawless résumé even more remarkable. More impressively, he continues to be an elite linesman despite rupturing his ACL twice. It's not easy to put offensive linesmen's work into stats but Peters is one of the 3 best left tackles in the league thanks to his combination of raw power and athleticism.
17. Norm Van Brocklin - QB, P
Stats: 23,611 Passing Yards, 173 TD, 178 INT, 53.6% Completion Percentage
Accolades: MVP, 4x All-Pro, 9x Pro-Bowl, Passing Yards Leader, NFL record for most passing yards in one game (554), Hall of Famer
Championships: 2 (1 With the Eagles)
Even though Norm Van Brocklin only played for the Eagles during the final three seasons of his career, he still managed to lead them to their third NFL Championship. He completely turned the Eagles' offense around and made them the only team to ever beat the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs during the Vince Lombardi era.
16. Steve Van Buren - HB, DB
Stats: 5,860 Rushing Yards, 69 Rushing Touchdowns, 2,503 Return Yards, 5 Return Touchdowns, 9 Interceptions
Accolades: 7x All-Pro, 4x Rushing Yards Leader, 4x Rushing Touchdown Leader
Championships: 2
While his stats may seem unimpressive nowadays, Steve Van Buren was one of the greatest backs of his era, leading the league in rushing yards in half of his seasons in the NFL. Unlike most running backs, Van Buren didn't shy away from a tackle and much rather go through his defender like a tractor instead. Up to this day, he's still the franchise's all-time leader in rushing touchdowns (69), which is even more impressive if you consider that seasons were shorter back in the day.
15. Pete Pihos - TE
Stats: 373 Receptions, 5,619 Receiving Yards, 61 Receiving Touchdowns
Accolades: 6x Pro-Bowl, 6x All-Pro, 3x NFL Receptions Leader, 2x NFL Receiving Yards Leader, Hall of Famer
Championships: 2
Long before tight ends were featured in the passing game, Pete Pihos was already leading the league in receiving. He was a bulldozer that not many defenders dared to tackle in the open field and a master of piling up yards after the catch. To this day, he's still considered the greatest tight end in Eagles history and it doesn't seem like that distinction is going to change any time soon.
14. Troy Vincent - CB
Stats: 794 Tackles, 5.5 Sacks, 12 Forced Fumbles, 12 Fumbles Recovered, 47 Interceptions, 3 Defensive Touchdowns
Accolades: 5x Pro-Bowls, 2x All-Pro, NFL Interceptions Co-Leader
Championships: 0
Troy Vincent was a bit of a late bloomer, as it wasn't until he joined the Philadelphia Eagles that he went from an average cornerback to one of the best in the league. He made it to five straight Pro-Bowls during his time in the City of Brotherly Love and shares the record for the longest interception ever (104-yard touchdown after a lateral pass from James Willis). He was also a great leader outside of the locker room, even becoming president of the NFLPA.
13. Wilbert Montgomery - RB
Stats: 6,789 Rushing Yards, 44 Rushing Touchdowns, 273 Receptions, 2,502 Receiving Yards, 12 Receiving Touchdowns
Accolades: 2x Pro-Bowl, 2x All-Pro, Hall of Famer
Championships: 0
Wilbert Montgomery was already an Eagles legend but his 194-yard performance in the NFC Championship game vs. the Dallas Cowboys cemented him as one of the all-time fan favorites. He was also their all-time leader in rushing yards before Shady McCoy took him down, and his combination of skills, toughness, and speed was a huge nightmare in the open field for opposing defenses throughout his career.
12. Tra Thomas - OT
Stats: 174 Games Played, 168 Games Started
Accolades: 3x Pro-Bowl, All-Pro
Championships: 0
Donovan McNabb always had a lot of time and space to work and he should thank Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan for that. The offensive linesman protected his blindside for a decade and single-handedly bullied opposing pass-rushers with ease. He was strong, physical, and quite agile as well, and there just wasn't a way to get around him when he was in his prime. No wonder why McNabb was intercepted in just 2.2% of his passes with all the time he had to operate.
11. Eric Allen - CB
Stats: 789 Tackles, 3.0 Sacks, 6 Forced Fumbles, 7 Fumbles Recovered, 54 Interceptions, 9 Defensive Touchdowns
Accolades: 6x Pro-Bowl, 3x All-Pro
Championships: 0
Eric Allen is one of the greatest defensive playmakers of all-time. An athletic freak with a feel for forcing turnovers unlike many other players in football history, Allen holds the NFL record for most pick-sixes in a season with 4 and the Eagles record for most pick-sixes (5). He's also tied for most interceptions (54) in franchise history. His ability to come up with huge defensive plays when it mattered the most made him the face of the 'Gang Green' defense.
10. Pete Retzlaff - HB/WR/TE
Stats: 452 Receptions, 7,412 Receiving Yards, 47 Touchdowns
Accolades: 5x Pro-Bowl, 4x All-Pro
Championships: 1
Pete Retzlaff was the true definition of consistency and as reliable as they came. Regardless of who was under center or where he was lined up, he was always going to make a play. Up to this day, he's still second in franchise history in receiving yards and fifth in receiving touchdowns. Younger fans may not talk about him enough nowadays but he was a specialist when it came to moving the chains.
9. LeSean McCoy - RB
Stats: 11,071 Rushing Yards, 73 Rushing Touchdowns, 503 Receptions, 3,797 Receiving Yards, 16 Receiving Touchdowns
Accolades: 6x Pro-Bowl, 2x All-Pro, NFL Rushing Yards Leader, NFL Rushing Touchdown Leader
Championships: 1 (Not with the Eagles)
I still can't understand how Chip Kelly traded away LeSean McCoy when he was the best running back in the league. We're talking about the Eagles' all-time leader in rushing yards despite the fact that he only played 90 games with them. He led the league in rushing touchdowns (20) in 2011 and rushing yards (1,607) in 2013 and his ability to shake off tackles and make huge plays in the open field was unmatched during his prime.
8. Donovan McNabb - QB
Stats: 37,276 Passing Yards, 234 TD, 117 INT, 3,459 Rushing Yards, 29 Rushing Touchdowns, 59.0% Completion Percentage
Accolades: 6x Pro-Bowl
Championships: 0
While most fans don't give him the praise he deserves, it's hard to argue that Donovan McNabb is the greatest quarterback in franchise history. He's their all-time leader in attempts, completions, yards, and touchdowns and led them to championship contention for over a decade. He was an athletic freak that could also make huge plays with his feet, and while he was never able to get over the hump and lead them to a Super Bowl, he's not entirely to blame for that.
7. Tommy McDonald - WR
Stats: 495 Receptions, 8,410 Receiving Yards, 84 Receiving Touchdowns
Accolades: 6x Pro-Bowl, 4x All-Pro, NFL Receiving Yards Leader, 2x NFL Receiving Touchdowns Leader
Championships: 1
Tommy McDonald was far from a gifted specimen but make no mistake, he was as tough as they come. He was the last non-kicker to play without a facemask and did so in a time when defenses were far more physical and rules didn't protect players as much as nowadays. Despite being just 5'9'', he led the league in receiving yards once and twice in receiving touchdowns. You could outsize him but you could never outhustle him.
6. Harold Carmichael - WR
Stats: 590 Receptions, 8,985 Receiving Yards, 79 Receiving Touchdowns
Accolades: 4x Pro-Bowl, 3x All-Pro, NFL Receiving Yards Leader, NFL Receptions Leader, Hall of Famer
Championships: 0
Harold Carmichael is the greatest wide receiver in the history of the Philadelphia Eagles. It's as simple as that. To this day, he still holds the records for most receiving yards and receiving touchdowns all-time and his huge 6'8'' frame allowed him to just toy with opposing cornerbacks. He nearly became a villain after signing a deal with their lifelong rivals Dallas Cowboys but salvaged his legacy by retiring after just 2 games.
5. Al Wistert - OT
Stats: 95 Games Played, 84 Games Started
Accolades: Pro-Bowl, 8x All-Pro
Championships: 2
As we mentioned before, offensive linesmen don't get as much recognition as other players but leaving Al Wistert out of this list would be a blatant mistake. He was the team's heart, soul, and captain during their first two NFL Championships. He was named an All-Pro in all but one of his 9 seasons in the NFL - all of them with the Eagles - and was one of the main reasons why they had such a dominant rushing attack.
4. Brian Westbrook - HB
Stats: 6,335 Rushing Yards, 41 Rushing Touchdowns, 442 Receptions, 3,941 Receiving Yards, 30 Receiving Touchdowns
Accolades: 2x Pro-Bowl, All-Pro
Championships: 0
If you enjoy watching Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, and many other pass-catching backs play, you must thank Brian Westbrook for that. Standing at just 5'8'', Westbrook changed the way the running back position was played thanks to his versatility and ability to line up anywhere on the field. He was slick, quick, and could find gaps in space where no other player could.
3. Chuck Bednarik - LB/C
Stats: 20 Interceptions
Accolades: 8x Pro-Bowl, 10x All-Pro, Hall of Famer
Championships: 2
Chuck Bednarik was a beast. There's just no other way to put it. He was one of the last '60-minute men', those rare players that would never miss a snap because they could play on both sides of the gridiron. His fierceness as a center was only topped by his hard-hitting ability as one of the toughest linebackers to ever do it, and his grittiness and toughness made him one of the greatest players of all time. Impressively, he put together a Hall of Fame-worthy career in two different positions.
2. Reggie White - DE
Stats: 198.0 Sacks, 33 Forced Fumbles, 3 Interceptions, 2 Touchdowns
Accolades: 13x Pro-Bowl, 13x All-Pro, 2x Defensive Player of the Year, 3x NFC Defensive Player of the Year, 2x Sacks Leader, Hall of Famer
Championships: 1 (Not with the Eagles)
Logging 11 sacks in one season is something not many players can do in the NFL. Well, that was Reggie White's worst season as the anchor of the Eagles defense. He holds the record for most sacks (124.0) in franchise history, meaning he had more sacks than games played (121). He was physical, athletic, strong, and had elite footwork to just completely dominate whoever he faced. He's one of the greatest pass-rushers to ever do it.
1. Brian Dawkins - FS
Stats: 1,147 Tackles, 26.0 Sacks, 36 Forced Fumbles, 19 Fumbles Recovered, 37 Interceptions, 4 Total Touchdowns
Accolades: 9x Pro-Bowl, 5x All-Pro, Hall of Famer
Championships: 0
Brian Dawkins was the ultimate eagle. He embodied everything Philly fans cherish as one of the fiercest and passionate defenders of all time. His versatility gave the Eagles a huge presence all over the field, as he could dominate in zone, man-to-man, or even blitz like a defensive end. He holds the franchise record for most games played (183) and is one of the few players to ever record 30+ forced fumbles and 20+ interceptions. His grit and passion were just so contagious and he was the face of the franchise for 13 years.
