Since Bert Bell secured the rights for an NFL franchise and the Frankford Yellow Jackets went bankrupt in 1933, the Philadelphia Eagles have been one of the NFL’s premiere franchises. They’ve sold out every game since 1999, boast one of the most passionate fan bases and consistently rank amongst the NFL's best performers in attendance. After winning three NFL championships (1948, 1949, 1960), the franchise finally secured its first Super Bowl for the 2017 season (Super Bowl LII).
Twelve members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame have suited up for Philadelphia. Here are five(ish) of the best:
5. Brian Westbrook (HB, 2002-2009)
This is essentially a tie between four Eagles halfbacks of different eras. Steve Van Buren (1944-1951), led the league in rushing for four of his eight years, was a six-time All-Pro and the best player on the 1948 and 1949 title teams, retiring as the game’s all-time leading rusher. LeSean McCoy (2009-2014) passed Wilbert Montgomery (1977-84) as the franchise’s all-time rushing leader, but didn’t quite make his mark as much as the beloved Brian Westbrook.
While often underrated, Westbrook was consistently the focal point of the team’s offense, and seemed to always churn out somewhere between four and 12 yards per carry. Notably, he was an elite blocker and pass catcher, and one of the game’s smartest and most versatile players who could line up anywhere. He scored 66 total touchdowns in eight seasons in Philly.
4. Al Wistert (OT, 1943-1951)
By all accounts, Al Wistert was one the best offensive linemen of his generation. He was named to an All-Pro team every year of his career, and captained the championship teams in 1948 and 1949. It's safe to assume Wistert played a major role in the team's devastating rushing attack, led by Van Buren.
3. Brian Dawkins (FS, 1996-2008)
Brian Dawkins manned the Eagles secondary with an unparalleled passion for over a decade. He was always the heart and soul of the team, the pre-game speech-giver and one of the most ferocious hitters in the history of the sport. He recorded 32 forced fumbles, 37 interceptions and 26 sacks in 13 seasons as an Eagle, and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
2. Chuck Bednarik (LB/C, 1949-1962)
Chuck Bednarik is widely considered to be one of the sport’s greatest defensive players, though he also starred as a center. “Concrete Charlie” was among the NFL’s first famous hard-hitters, and remains the Eagles franchise's most legendary figure (though his relationship with the franchise — and modern football in general — was troubled in later years).
Bednarik was also the last of the great “60-minute men,” players who would (somehow) play both sides of the ball. His game-winning tackle of the Green Bay Packers' Jim Taylor at the Eagles eight-yard line secured the 1960 championship.
College football’s Defensive Player of the Year award is aptly named after Bednarik.
1. Reggie White (DE, 1985-1992)
Reggie White is the greatest defensive end in NFL history, full stop. He’s far and away the all-time Eagles' sack leader, with nearly 40 more than Trent Cole. “The Minister of Defense” won two NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, made 13 Pro Bowls and All Pro teams and trails Bruce Smith by two sacks for the top spot in history.
There is little question that White is the Eagles' best player of all time.
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