A Legacy Unveiled: The Journey of Nick Foles' Iconic No. 9 with the Eagles
As the Philadelphia Eagles’ storied franchise enters its 91st season, one number remains conspicuously untouched: No. 9. This number, immortalized by Nick Foles, carries profound significance for a team and city that witnessed the improbable heroics of a quarterback who delivered their first and only Super Bowl title.
Nick Foles, the final player to don the No. 9 jersey, etched his name into the annals of Philadelphia sports history with an unforgettable postseason run. During the Eagles' remarkable 2017 season, Foles achieved a remarkable 72.6% completion rate and a 115.7 passer rating—a testament to his efficiency and accuracy under pressure. However, it was Super Bowl LII where Foles truly cemented his legacy, throwing for 373 yards and three touchdowns. One of those touchdowns, a reception dubbed the "Philly Special," added a layer of folklore to his already heroic performance.
The play itself, designed during a critical moment of the game, saw Foles catching a touchdown pass—a rarity for quarterbacks in the biggest game of their careers. This extraordinary ingenuity and execution not only led the Eagles past the favored New England Patriots but also imbued Foles with a legendary status that few accomplished players can ever attain.
In the aftermath of this historic victory, the Eagles have treated No. 9 with a reverence akin to a retired number. While the franchise has formally retired nine other numbers, including icons like Donovan McNabb (5), Brian Dawkins (20), and Reggie White (92), Foles’ No. 9 remains unofficially sacred. As defensive end Josh Sweat discovered, the team considers the jersey effectively retired.
"I wore 9 in high school and wore 9 in college. But I can't get 9 now because it's retired," Sweat stated, highlighting the respect and admiration Foles commands within the organization. Sweat, originally drafted in 2018, had to opt for No. 75 and later No. 94, bringing attention to the symbolic weight of certain numbers within the franchise.
Even more telling is the hesitation to reissue No. 25, last worn by LeSean McCoy, the team's all-time leading rusher. This precedent underscores the Eagles' approach to preserving the sanctity of numbers associated with their greatest players. Sweat humorously commented on his own challenges in securing a coveted 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."
These subtleties of jersey numbers offer a window into the Eagles' deep appreciation and connection with their history. Foles' legacy is further memorialized by a statue at Lincoln Financial Field, forever reminding fans and players of the indelible night he led the team to victory.
In contemporary sports culture, where player rosters and fortunes change rapidly, the Eagles’ handling of Foles’ number points to a poignant reverence for those who made significant contributions. As the franchise continues to evolve and seek further success, the shadow of Nick Foles and the unattainable No. 9 serve as touchstones of ultimate achievement and unwavering dedication.
For current players and fans alike, the figure of Foles stands as a beacon of what is possible—heroic triumphs against daunting odds and a lasting imprint on a passionate fanbase. The No. 9 may never be officially retired, but its legacy, entwined with the echoes of "Philly Special," will forever endure.