Top 10 Philadelphia Eagles of the Super Bowl Era

As a lifelong fan of the Eagles and a season ticket holder for almost 30 years, I have seen a lot of Eagles football and formed strong opinions about the players. Here, I have ranked the top 10 Eagles of the Super Bowl era, and I hope that this list generates a lively debate.

Fans fill the street to cheer on the Eagles at a parade celebrating their Super Bowl LII victory / © Jennifer Corbett, The News Journal

Who Are the Best Eagles of the Super Bowl Era?

I have been a Philadelphia sports fan my entire life (50+ years and counting now), and the Eagles are my favorite team. My father and brother took me to games at old Veterans Stadium when I was little, and I have had my own season tickets since I graduated from college in 1990. That means I have seen a lot of Eagles football, and I've certainly formed some pretty strong opinions about the team. So naturally, a list of the 10 all-time greatest Eagles is something I feel very strongly about.

Selection Criteria:

• I'm only including players that I actually saw play. Since I'm only one year younger than the Super Bowl, this list only includes players from the Super Bowl era (1967–present).
• Even though it's hard to compare statistics from 40 to 50 years ago to what players are doing today, I relied heavily on the numbers.
• I only considered what a player did while he was a member of the Eagles.
• I had to put aside grudges I hold against players who left my team.

Since this list only includes players from the Super Bowl era, NFL Hall of Fame players and Eagle greats like Chuck Bednarik, Tommy McDonald, Pete Pihos, Steve Van Buren and Al Wistert are not on this list. Maybe someday, I'll make that old-timers' list, too.

As noted, I relied heavily on statistics to gauge greatness, so only one player on the current Eagles roster made my list. Sure, players like Malcolm Jenkins and Fletcher Cox are stars, but they haven't yet done quite enough to rank in the top 10. Similarly, I hope that Carson Wentz will someday sit at No. 1 on every list of the greatest Eagles, but let's give him a chance to win his first Super Bowl himself before we start entertaining those thoughts.

10. Eric Allen

• Played cornerback for the Eagles from 1988 to 1994
• Tied for most interceptions (34) by an Eagle
• Made the most interception return touchdowns (five) in franchise history
• Inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 2011

Eric Allen isn't a member of the NFL Hall of Fame, but he probably should be. Allen only played seven seasons in Philadelphia, but they were incredible seasons. He made the Pro Bowl five times and was a first-team All-Pro selection once with the Eagles. His 34 INTs are tied for the most in Eagles history. He also holds the team record of five interception return touchdowns, including an NFL record-tying four in 1993.

His most memorable play was against the New York Jets on Oct. 3, 1993. Steve Sabol of NFL Films called his 94-yard interception return for a touchdown "the greatest interception return in NFL history." After his Philadelphia career, Allen played a few more years with Oakland and New Orleans and ended his career with 54 interceptions and eight touchdowns.

9. Randall Cunningham

• Played quarterback for the Eagles from 1985 to 1995
• Ranked third in passing yards (22,877) and sixth in rushing yards (4,482) in Eagles history
• Once dubbed "The Ultimate Weapon" by Sports Illustrated
• Inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 2009
  

Once dubbed "The Ultimate Weapon" by Sports Illustrated, Randall Cunningham revolutionized the quarterback position. He was a human highlight reel during his 11 seasons in Philadelphia, showcasing his ability to throw a football nearly the length of the field, outrun defenders and even punt the football 91 yards. He ranks third in passing yards (22,877) and sixth in rushing yards (4,482) in franchise history. Cunningham finished his career with stints in Minnesota, Dallas and Baltimore and is still the NFL's second all-time rushing leader among quarterbacks, with 4,928 yards.

8. Harold Carmichael

• Played wide receiver for the Eagles from 1971 to 1983
  
• Was all-time Eagles franchise leader in receptions (589), yards receiving (8,978) and touchdowns (79)
• Inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 1987

When Harold Carmichael retired, his 590 career receptions were the fifth most in NFL history. For the Eagles, he played 13 seasons and 180 games and earned four trips to the Pro Bowl before finishing his career with Dallas. Fortunately for Eagles fans, they didn't have to see Carmichael in the hated Cowboys colors for long. After just two games and one reception for seven yards, he decided he just didn't look right in any uniform other than the Eagles' and retired.

7. Nick Foles

• Played quarterback for the Eagles from 2012 to 2014 and from 2017 to 2018
  
• Won the MVP Award in Super Bowl LII, while leading the Eagles to their only Super Bowl Championship in franchise history
• Has the highest career quarterback rating in team history (93.2)
• Threw for the most yards in a game (471) and is tied with Adrian Burk for the most touchdowns (an NFL-record-tying seven) in a game in Eagles history

The man who delivered the first Lombardi Trophy to the Eagles franchise and won the MVP award in Super Bowl LII has to be on this list. Nick Foles also has the highest career quarterback rating in team history (93.2) and the team's highest single-season quarterback rating (119.2 in 2013). He's ninth in passing yards (8,703), eighth in touchdown passes (58) and has the lowest career interception percentage (0.63 in 2013) in Eagles history.

Foles threw for the most yards ever in a game for the Eagles (471 on Dec. 23, 2018 vs. the Texans) and for the most touchdown passes in a game (seven on Nov. 3, 2013 vs. the Raiders), which tied him with seven other players (including former Eagle Adrian Burk) for the most single-game touchdown passes in NFL history. His 27 touchdown passes and only two interceptions in 2013 was the best TD-INT ratio in NFL history at the time. His 119.2 quarterback rating in 2013 was third all-time, trailing only Aaron Rodgers' 122.5 rating in 2011 and Peyton Manning's 121.1 rating in 2004. Then, in 2015, Chip Kelly traded him.

The Eagles brought Foles back as the backup to Carson Wentz in 2017, and Foles proceeded to lead the Eagles to the Super Bowl title after Wentz got hurt in week 14 of that season. Foles completed 28 of 43 passes for 373 yards, three TDs and one INT in the Super Bowl. You probably also remember his famous play call ("Philly Philly") and touchdown catch which made Foles the first player to both throw and catch a touchdown pass in the Super Bowl. There's even a statue of him outside Lincoln Financial Field commemorating his play call.

Honestly, the only reason Foles isn't near the top of this list is that he was only with the Eagles for five seasons and he was never really the unquestioned starter during his time with the team. Still, Nick Foles will forever be a hero in the City of Brotherly Love for all of the magical things he did during his relatively brief time with the Eagles.

6. Brian Westbrook

• Played running back for the Eagles from 2002 to 2009
  
• Was Eagles all-time leader in yards from scrimmage (9,785)
• Ranked third in rushing yards (5,995) and fourth in receptions (426) for the Eagles
• Upon his retirement, he was one of only six players in NFL history with 30+ rushing touchdowns and 30+ receiving touchdowns
• Inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 2015

Brian Westbrook was a two-time Pro Bowler best known for his game-winning 84-yard punt return touchdown at Giants Stadium in October, 2003. He is the Eagles' all-time leader in yards from scrimmage (9,785), third in rushing yards (5,995), fourth in receptions (426), 14th in receiving yards (3,790), fourth in rushing touchdowns (37), third in overall touchdowns (68) and seventh in scoring (410 points).

If that isn't enough, upon his retirement, Westbrook was also one of only six players in NFL history with 30+ rushing touchdowns and 30+ receiving touchdowns in his career. Not bad for an undersized kid from a small Philadelphia college that is better known for basketball.

Donovan McNabb is the winningest quarterback in Eagles history / © William Bretzger, Copyright 2004, The News Journal Co.;Yes

5. Donovan McNabb

• Played quarterback for the Eagles from 1999 to 2009
• Winningest quarterback in Eagles history
• Franchise leader in passing yards (32,873) and touchdowns (216)
• Led the Eagles to Super Bowl XXXIX
• Inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 2013

Donovan McNabb simply had to be No. 5 on this list. When he was inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame, McNabb said, "Number 5 will always love you" during his acceptance speech on the field at halftime. So yeah, No. 5 is perfect for Donovan.

He led the team to five NFC East division titles, five NFC Championship Games and an appearance in Super Bowl XXXIX. Things went poorly for McNabb in that Super Bowl. He "coughed up" the game, but he is still considered the greatest quarterback. In addition to being the winningest quarterback in Eagles history, McNabb is also the all-time franchise leader in pass attempts (4,746), completions (2,801), yards passing (32,873) and touchdown passes (216). He was a six-time Pro Bowler during his time with the Eagles before playing one season in Washington and his last season in Minnesota.

4. LeSean McCoy

• Played running back for the Eagles from 2009 to 2014
• Was all-time Eagles leader in rushing yards (6,792)
• Made the most rushing yards and touchdowns in a season for the Eagles

LeSean McCoy only played six seasons and 90 games as an Eagle, but he is still the all-time leading rusher in franchise history, with 6,792 yards. He is third in rushing touchdowns (44) and ninth in total touchdowns (54). McCoy also had some of the most spectacular individual games and seasons in Eagles history. He had the most rushing yards in a season (1,607 in 2013) and the most touchdowns in a season (20 in 2011) for the Eagles.

His most memorable game was on Dec. 8, 2013, when he rushed for 217 yards against the Lions on a snow-covered field. That day it was hard to see the field through the driving snow, but McCoy looked like the only player on the field who wasn't wearing ice skates. It's too bad Chip Kelly traded him for next to nothing before the 2015 season . . . there is no telling how many all-time Eagles records McCoy would hold today if they'd held onto him.

Jason Peters (71) blocks defensive end Chase Young (99) during a 2020 game at at FedExField / © Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

3. Jason Peters

• Played left tackle for the Eagles from 2009 to the present
• Seven-time Pro Bowl selection with the Eagles (nine-time overall)
• Was an undrafted tight end when he came into the league in 2004

Jason Peters is the only active player on this list and the only offensive lineman. The reason for this is simple: In my opinion, Jason Peters is one of the greatest offensive linemen to ever play the game of football. Period. The fact that he plays the premier position of left tackle makes his accomplishments even greater, and it's even more amazing when you realize that Peters was an undrafted tight end when he came into the NFL. It's hard to apply any statistics to offensive linemen, but Peters was widely considered one of the best left tackles in the NFL during much of his time with the Eagles. He went to seven Pro Bowls with the Eagles and was a two-time All-Pro first-team pick and a four-time All-Pro second-team pick.

I have no doubt that when the time comes, Peters will be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame as a unanimous first-year selection.

2. Reggie White

• Played defensive end for the Eagles from 1985 to 1992
• Is the all-time career leader in sacks (124) for the Eagles
• Was Defensive Player of the Year (1987)
• Inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 2005
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006

I know what you're thinking: How in the world can Reggie White not be No. 1 on the list of the greatest Eagles? Let me explain.

Yes, White was one of the greatest NFL players of all-time. He was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice (in 1987 and 1998). During his time with the Eagles and the Packers, White was selected to 13 consecutive Pro Bowls and was an eight-time first-team All-Pro. His 198 career sacks are second in NFL history behind only Bruce Smith (200).

But he only played for the Eagles for eight years. That means only seven of those 13 Pro Bowls were in Philly, and only 124 of his sacks and one of his Defensive Player of the Year awards happened while he was wearing the Eagles' kelly green uniform. Those 124 sacks are still, by far, the most in Eagles history, though. And his 21 sacks in 1987 still stand as the most in a season by an Eagles player. It's just that when considering who was the greatest player ever to wear an Eagles uniform, you can only look at what a player accomplished for this team. That is where White comes up just a bit short.

Reggie White was an all-time great in the NFL, but he is only second among Eagles players.

Former safety Brian Dawkins poses with bust during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Tom Bensen Stadium / © Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

1. Brian Dawkins

• Played safety for the Eagles from 1996 to 2008
• Was Eagles franchise leader in games played (183) for a non-kicker
• Tied for most interceptions (34) in franchise history
• Was one of only six players in NFL history to record at least 30 interceptions and 20 sacks in a career
• Inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 2012
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018

Brian Dawkins is the embodiment of an Eagle. His leadership, on and off the field, was unparalleled for the franchise. Philly fans love their defense, and Dawkins was a legend. In most NFL cities the quarterback is the star and leader of the team, but in Philly it was Brian Dawkins. He also redefined the safety position in the NFL. When legendary Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson got Dawkins, he realized just how special Dawkins could be: he could cover like a cornerback, hit like a linebacker, and blitz like a defensive end. In short, there was nothing he couldn't do on the defensive side of the football. There was nothing he didn't do, either.

During his 13 seasons in Philadelphia, Dawkins went to seven Pro Bowls and was a four-time first-team All-Pro selection. He finished his Eagles career in 2008 as the franchise leader in games played (183) and tied for the most interceptions (34). Dawkins is one of only six players in NFL history to record at least 30 interceptions and 20 sacks in a career. He also forced 37 fumbles.

I was never more disappointed in the Eagles than when they low-balled Dawkins in contract negotiations and let him leave via free agency in 2009. It was reported that even team owner Jeffrey Lurie was upset with then team president Joe Banner for not keeping Dawkins an Eagle for life. After three years in Denver, Dawkins retired from playing football and was hired in an advisory role within the Eagles organization. This was especially important because, although Dawkins never got a ring during his time as a player, he received a Super Bowl ring as a member of the Eagles front office for their Super Bowl LII win.

Brian Dawkins was elected to the NFL Hall of Fame in 2018 in his second year of eligibility, and now, he's at the top of this list of the greatest Eagles players of the Super Bowl era. He should be proud.

Honorable Mentions

These are players who I initially wanted on the list, but when I dove into the stats, they just didn't make the cut for the top 10. I've listed these names in alphabetical order.

David Akers

• Played kicker for the Eagles from 1999 to 2010
  
• Inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 2017

David Akers made five Pro Bowls and is the career points leader (1,323) for the Eagles by nearly 450 points. Unfortunately for him, there is simply no way a kicker is making any Top 10 list I ever create. However, Akers will forever be a legend in Philadelphia for his trolling of Cowboy fans during the 2018 NFL Draft in Dallas. Not bad for a kicker.

Jerome Brown

• Played defensive tackle for the Eagles from 1987 to 1991
• Inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 1996

Jerome Brown was a dominating defensive tackle on one of the greatest defenses in the history of the sport. The 1991 Eagles finished No. 1 against the run, No. 1 against the pass and No. 1 overall for defense. Brown was a big reason for those rankings, but he only played five years and made two Pro Bowls before his untimely death at the age of 27 in 1992. What a shame. Brown's death was the first domino to fall; many great defensive players left the Eagles after his passing, mostly due to owner Norman Braman's refusal to pay them.

Trent Cole

• Played defensive end and linebacker for the Eagles from 2005 to 2014
  

Trent Cole's record of 85.5 sacks is second-best in Eagles history. He was also a stout run defender. Cole made two Pro Bowls and was a second-team All-Pro once. Interesting tidbit: Philadelphia drafted Cole in 2005 with a fifth-round pick they received from trading James Thrash to Washington.

DeSean Jackson

• Played wide receiver for the Eagles from 2008 to 2013 and 2019 to the present
  

DeSean Jackson just re-signed with the Eagles this offseason and caught eight passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns in the first game of the season. Those two touchdowns were over 50 yards, so only Jerry Rice (with 36) has more 50-plus-yard touchdowns than Jackson's 31. Jackson also has the fourth-most receiving yards (6,117) in Eagles history. Plus, he is tied with Darren Sproles with the most punt return touchdowns (four) in team history. Welcome back, DJax. What was Chip Kelly thinking?

Ron Jaworski

• Played quarterback for the Eagles from 1977 to 1986
  
• Inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 1992

Known affectionately as "The Polish Rifle," Ron Jaworski threw for the second-most yards (26,963) and second-most touchdowns (175) in franchise history. He also took the Eagles to their first Super Bowl after the 1980 season. His failure in that game is the only thing that kept him off my top 10 list.

Wilbert Montgomery

• Played running back for the Eagles from 1977 to 1984
  
• Inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 1987

Wilbert Montgomery was in my original top 10, but he got nudged out at the last second. Montgomery has the second-most rushing yards (6,538) and second-most rushing touchdowns (45) in franchise history. He also rushed for 194 yards in the 1980 NFC Championship Game against the hated Cowboys, a move that propelled the Eagles to their first Super Bowl. In that game, his 42-yard touchdown run, on the second play from scrimmage, set the tone for the win and cemented his place in Eagles lore.

Mike Quick

• Played wide receiver for the Eagles from 1982 to 1990
  
• Inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 1995

Mike Quick was an incredibly talented receiver who made five Pro Bowls, has the third-most receiving yards (6,464) and is tied for the third-most touchdowns (61) in franchise history. He led the NFL in receiving yards in 1983 with 1,409 and finished second in the NFL in 1985 with 1,247. He also made the longest receiving touchdown in Eagles history on Nov. 10, 1985, when he caught a 99-yard touchdown pass from Ron Jaworski to beat the Falcons in overtime. Quick is currently the color commentator for Eagles radio broadcasts.