The Philadelphia Eagles received their Super Bowl 59 championship rings on July 18, diamond-encrusted rewards for a 40-22 BTA over the Kansas City Chiefs that served as a fitting end to the most successful quarter-century in franchise history.
The last 25 years saw the Eagles earn 11 NFC East titles, qualify for the playoffs 17 times, reach eight conference championship games, make four Super Bowl appearances and win two Lombardi Trophies.
I was lucky enough to have a ringside seat for many of the victories, serving as the Eagles beat writer for a local newspaper from 1993 to 2019.
Hundreds of players contributed to the phenomenal run of success under coaches Andy Reid, Chip Kelly, Doug Pederson and Nick Sirianni. Ten former standouts — place-kicker David Akers, defensive ends Trent Cole and Hugh Douglas, safety Brian Dawkins, quarterback Donovan McNabb, tackles Jon Runyan and Tra Thomas, linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, cornerback Troy Vincent, running back Brian Westbrook — are members of the Eagles Hall of Fame and there’s little doubt that defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, defensive end Brandon Graham, center Jason Kelce, tackle Lane Johnson and others will eventually be inducted.
Dawkins (No. 20) and McNabb (5) have also had their numbers retired while B-Dawk also earned enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
Here’s one opinion of the Eagles’ Quarter-Century team from 2000 to 2024.
Quarterback – Donovan McNabb. Nick Foles is my sentimental choice, having had the best regular season in Eagles history in 2013 with 26 touchdown passes versus just two interceptions leading them to their first Super Bowl win via “Philly Special” in 2017. But when a players’ entire body of work is considered, McNabb has to be the pick. Honorable mention: Foles, Michael Vick, Jalen Hurts.
Running back – LeSean McCoy. Sorry, but Saquon Barkley hasn’t been here long enough to merit consideration. McCoy, who played from 2009-2014, is the franchise’s leading rusher with 6,792 yards. Honorable mention: Brian Westbrook, Duce Staley, Darren Sproles.
Wide receiver – DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. If most situps performed in a driveway was part of the process, then T.O. is a shoo-in. Otherwise, it’s Jackson and Maclin. DeSean’s eight seasons (2008-13, 19-20) featured 379 receptions for 6,512 yards and 35 TDs, not to mention his prowess as a returner. Maclin had 343 catches for 4,371 yards and 36 TDs in six seasons (2009-14). Honorable mention: Jason Avant, DeVonta Smith, A.J. Brown.
Tight end – Zach Ertz. The Eagles never should have let him go. His 579 receptions from 2013 to 2021 are the second-most in team history. He also holds the team’s records for most receptions in a season (116) and game (15). Honorable mention: Brent Celek, Chad Lewis.
Offensive line – Center Jason Kelce, guards Brandon Brooks and Shawn Andrews, tackles Tra Thomas and Lane Johnson.
Kelce (2011-23) is the clear choice at center. He was a six-time All Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler who may eventually join Dawkins at Canton. Brooks (2016-21) was among the best in the league when healthy. People forget Andrews was a three-time Pro Bowler before injuries and other factors ended his career. Thomas (1998-2008) gets my nod at left tackle over Jason Peters for his longevity and durability. Johnson (2013-present) has dealt with injuries and other issues to become an elite player. Honorable mention: Jamaal Jackson (center), Todd Herremans (guard), Jason Peters (left tackle), Jon Runyan (right tackle).
Defensive end – Trent Cole and Brandon Graham. Cole (2005-14) earned 85.5 career sacks for the Eagles, second-most in team history behind only the late Reggie White (124). Graham (2010-24) played in more games (204) than any other player and ranks third with 76.5 sacks. Honorable mention: Connor Barwin, Hugh Douglas, Jevon Kearse.
Defensive tackle – Fletcher Cox and Corey Simon. Cox (2012-23) was a shoo-in. He was a six-time Pro Bowler and four-time All Pro whose 70 career sacks are most among Eagles defensive tackles. Simon (2000-05) was a key player on the 2004 Super Bowl squad and was among the league’s top interior linemen during those years. Honorable mention: Mike Patterson, Hollis Thomas, Darwin Walker.
Linebacker – Jeremiah Trotter, DeMeco Ryans and Carlos Emmons. Trotter (1998-2001, 2004-06, 2009) was at his best in the mid-2000’s. He emerged as the defensive sparkplug in that ’04 season and was a tackling terror. Ryans (2012-15), now the head coach of the Houston Texans, was the leader of an otherwise mediocre Eagles defense. Emmons (2000-03) was a key member of the Eagles’ defenses in the early 2000’s. Honorable mention: Keith Adams, Nigel Bradham.
Cornerback – Troy Vincent and Asante Samuel. This was by far the toughest group to pick. Vincent (1996-03) had 28 interceptions and teamed with Bobby Taylor to form a fantastic duo that paved the way for Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown. Samuel (2008-11) had 23 picks, including nine in 2009. Honorable mention: Sheldon Brown, Lito Sheppard, Bobby Taylor.
Safety – Brian Dawkins and Malcolm Jenkins. Dawkins (1996-2008) is in Canton after a superb career that included 1,131 tackles, 26 sacks, 37 interceptions and 37 forced fumbles. Jenkins (2014-19) was the catalyst behind the Eagles’ defense in their Super Bowl win in 2017. Honorable mention: Michael Lewis, Rodney McLeod, Quintin Mikell,
Specialists – David Akers (place-kicker), Donnie Jones (punter), Jon Dorenbos (long snapper), Darren Sproles (returner). Akers (1999-2010) is the franchise’s alltime leading scorer with 1,323 points. Jones (2013-17) averaged 45.4 yards er punt and was also an outstanding holder. Dorenbos (2006-16) shares the team record of consecutive games played (162) with Harold Carmichael. Jackson gets a slight nod over Darren Sproles. Both had four career punt returns TDs. Jackson was simply electric and a threat to score whenever he touched the football. Just ask the New York Giants. Honorable mention: Jake Elliott (place-kicker), Ric Lovato (long snapper), Brian Mitchell (returner), Sproles (returner), Brian Westbrook (returner).
Coach – Andy Reid. Reid (1999-2012) was the architect behind making the team relevant again after so many years of mediocrity. But Doug Pederson (2016-20) delivered the first Super Bowl title. Honorable mention: Doug Pederson, Nick Sirianni.
Boxing returns to A.C. Friday
Margate native Larry Goldberg, head of Boxing Insider Promotions, will bring his fifth card to Tropicana Resort on Friday.
Smithville heavyweight Bruce Seldon Jr. (6-0, 5 KOs), son of former WBA heavyweight champion Bruce Seldon, will be fighting in his first scheduled six-rounder against Alexis Soriano Taveras (3-2, 1 KO), of the Dominican Republic.
Pleasantville super-lightweight Julio Sanchez III (1-1, 0 KOs) will try to bounce back from his first loss in a four-rounder against Alexander Stone (1-5-1, 1 KO), of Jackson, Tennessee.
David is a nationally recognized sports columnist who has covered Philadelphia and local sports for over 40 years. After 35 years with The Press, he has served as a columnist for 973ESPN.com and created his own Facebook page, Dave Weinberg Extra Points.
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