A Historic Number: The Legacy of No. 9 in Philadelphia Eagles History
In the storied 91-season history of the Philadelphia Eagles franchise, few players have left as indelible a mark as Nick Foles. Revered for his role in securing the team's only Super Bowl title, Foles remains an iconic figure within the Eagles community. This legacy is profoundly symbolized by the No. 9 jersey, a number that has not been reassigned since his departure in 2018.
Nick Foles' tenure with the Eagles is the stuff of legend. Known for his postseason heroics, Foles boasted an impressive 72.6% completion rate and a 115.7 passer rating during playoff games. However, it was Super Bowl LII that cemented his legacy in Philadelphia lore. In that game, Foles delivered a performance for the ages, amassing 373 yards and three touchdowns. Moreover, he contributed to one of the game's most memorable plays — the "Philly Special" — catching a touchdown pass himself.
The impact of Foles' contributions to the Eagles is physically represented by a statue inside Lincoln Financial Field. Yet, the reverence extends further. The No. 9 jersey, sanctified by Foles' exploits, is regarded almost as if it's retired. Defensive end Josh Sweat, who expressed a desire to wear No. 9, echoes this sentiment: "I wore 9 in high school and wore 9 in college. But I can't get 9 now because it's retired." His comments underline how the number has taken on an almost mythical status within the team's culture.
The Eagles franchise has a tradition of honoring its most legendary figures by retiring their jersey numbers. To date, nine numbers have been formally retired: 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). While Foles' No. 9 hasn't been officially retired, the reluctance to reissue it suggests the organization deems it worthy of special consideration.
Josh Sweat, who was drafted in 2018, initially wore No. 75 before switching to No. 94, a change motivated by his personal journey and the desire for a fresh start. "I just needed a change. Just wanted to feel new," Sweat explained. His ambitions, however, extend beyond the gridiron. Sweat, who also showed a preference for No. 15, quipped, "I wanted No. 15, but that thing was retired in like 1950. I mean, y'all need to go ahead and bring that back."
Beyond Foles' No. 9, the Eagles have shown similar reverence by not reissuing the No. 25 jersey since the departure of LeSean McCoy, who holds the title of the franchise's all-time leading rusher. These gestures demonstrate how the Eagles organization values and preserves its rich history.
In an era when player numbers can often change hands frequently, the Eagles' approach provides a poignant reminder of sports' deeper meanings and narratives. Nick Foles' achievements and the reverence for his jersey underscore a unique relationship between a team, its players, and its history. For the Philadelphia Eagles, No. 9 stands as a lasting symbol of triumph, resilience, and an enduring legacy.