Philadelphia Eagles
Very long, very storied history. Not really a ton of great choices, though. Not nearly as many as you might think. I’ll absolutely admit I had to do some research for this post because I’m not a football historian. A lot of the older players are on this list due to reputation or accolades more so than anything I know about them.
10. Randall Cunningham, QB
My favorite football player of all time. One of the most dynamic athletes I’ve ever seen, I’ll never forget his incredible grace and speed, but also his effortlessly strong arm and his punting ability (yes, punting, he holds the fourth longest punt ever at 91 yards).
**9. William “Tra” Thomas, LT
**A mainstay at the most critical O-Line position for over a decade, he never seemed to get enough credit for his advanced skill blocking for the run and the pass. Still, a three time Pro Bowler and exceptionally durable, he’s the best O-Lineman the Eagles have had in decades.
8. Norm Willey, DE
The only “old” player I actually knew about beforehand and without help. He would be ranked a lot higher if they kept relevant stats back in his day. It’s widely accepted that he would hold the single game sack record (with multiple witnesses, players, and coaches confirming) with… seventeen. It’s also believed he would easily hold the career sack record and single season sack record had they kept that stat at the time.
**7. Brian Westbrook, RB
**The team’s second all time rusher in yards, third all time in receptions, and one of the most complete backs in modern NFL history. He could do everything exceptionally well and was one of the most dangerous players in open field during his prime. He always seemed to be playing at a higher speed than anyone else.
**6. Pete Pihos
**Yeah, I know nothing about the guy. But what I learned was impressive; 5 time first-team All Pro and one of the better two way players in football history. He was a dynamic receiver (leading the league in receptions for three straight seasons) and an All NFL defensive end.
And he’s in the Hall of Fame.
**5. Steve Van Buren, RB
**Didn’t know anything about him either. He’s another 5 time First-Team All Pro who led the league in rushing and touchdowns for four seasons apiece. and he was the main piece of the Eagles’ two championships in the late 40’s. He’s also in the Hall of Fame.
4. Donovan McNabb, QB
I know. But! He leads the franchise in all the major passing categories and he was the focal point in the resurgence of the franchise in the late 90’s and 2000’s. He’s had a tremendous amount of success and received far, far more criticism than he ever deserved (though he’s deserved a lot too). For a time, he was all this team had for offense, and he was constantly cursed with poor receiver talent. It would be interesting to know what would have happened had he gotten to play with an All Pro receiver for more than one season. As it was, he made the most of the opportunity he had with Terrell Owens and gave a glimpse of what could have been. Fantastic talent, terrific results, just not quite ever great enough.
**3. Brian Dawkins, S
**It’s hard to find exactly the right amount of praise for Dawkins. Is he one of the best at his position ever? I’d say so, especially considering the intangibles. But he always seemed just beyond the limelight and the national praise of fans and media. He was the unquestioned leader of a high-pressure, blitzing, playmaking defense for over a decade. He was everywhere, and always had to be accounted for. He made eight Pro Bowls and was a four time First Team All Pro and made the NFL’s 2000’s All Decade team. I imagine he’s a sure-fire Hall of Famer.
**2. Reggie White, DE
**The Minister of Defense comes in at #2. You all know about him, he needs no other mention. I will point out that he started his NFL career as an Eagle, played the majority of his career as an Eagle, had his best seasons as an Eagle, and deserves to be seen primarily in an Eagles uniform. Hands off, Packers.
**1. Chuck Bednarik, C/LB
**Hall of Famer, signature play that single-handedly saved a Championship victory, and name recognition even after 50-60 years. He played at an All Pro level on both sides of the ball for years, even after players were no longer asked to do so.
