Eagles Mount Rushmore: Which Players Deserve the Honor?
The Philadelphia Eagles were established over 93 years ago in 1933. Throughout the history of the franchise, several Hall of Fame caliber players have played in the City of Brotherly Love. Yet which Eagles players deserve the four spots on the franchise’s hypothetical Mount Rushmore? It’s become quite a debate over the years with several worthy candidates.
One of the controversial choices on my list is the omission of Hall of Fame two-way player Chuck Bednarik. While “Concrete Charlie” is a historic player, I simply can’t put him on my personal Mount Rushmore. He played in an era where players had other jobs and it wasn’t entirely the same level of competition that we see in today’s game. Plus, he isn’t even widely regarded as one of the five best linebackers of all-time.
Instead, I focused on players that have helped usher in and maintain the golden era of football for the Philadelphia Eagles. I also had to include one of the all-time greatest players in NFL history. Therefore, it’s time to reveal the four players that did make my Eagles Mount Rushmore.
Brian Dawkins
This is quite simple. Brian Dawkins is by far my favorite Eagles player of all-time. When I think of my childhood as a fan of the team, Dawkins is immediately who I think of. But it also helps that he happens to be one of the greatest safeties in NFL history, who helped lead a defense that made several deep playoff runs.
Here are Dawkins’ notable accolades and accomplishments in franchise history:
Pro Football Hall of Fame
Nine-time Pro Bowl
Four-time First-team All-Pro
Second-team All-Pro
NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
Fourth in games played (183)
Tied for first in interceptions (34)
First in forced fumbles (35)
Fifth in tackles (723)
Dawkins was a leader both on and off the field that transformed into “Weapon X” under the bright lights. You could feel Dawkins’ presence on the field, whether you were watching in-person or on television. His passion was a perfect fit in Philadelphia and he continues to be regarded as a fan favorite today, despite retiring in 2012.
Jason Kelce
Jason Kelce wasn’t supposed to be an all-time great. Kelce was an undersized, sub-300 lbs. center that was a sixth-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Following an underwhelming start to his career in Philadelphia, Kelce was even included in trade rumors. But he didn’t shy away from the doubt and went to work, just as many blue-collar workers do in Philadelphia.
Kelce turned his career around following the arrival of Jeff Stoutland as the Eagles offensive line coach in 2013. He ultimately transformed into one of the best centers in NFL history. Here are Kelce’s notable accolades and accomplishments in franchise history:
Super Bowl Champion (LII)
Six-time First-team All-Pro
Seven-time Pro Bowl
Second in games played (193)
When I think of the first Super Bowl victory in franchise history, Kelce is the first player that comes to mind. His NFL career somewhat embodied the struggles that the Eagles had as a franchise up until that point. Yet he manned the middle of one of the best offensive lines in the NFL for nearly a decade and will eventually enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame as one of the best centers in league history.
Reggie White
While I’m not old enough to have watched Reggie White during his tenure with the Eagles, I can still appreciate his greatness. White is widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in NFL history, period. “The Minister of Defense” was a transformative player for Philadelphia’s defense that remains in a category of his own in franchise history.
Here are White’s notable accolades and accomplishments in franchise history:
Two-time Defensive Player of the Year
Eight-time First-team All-Pro
Five-time Second-team All-Pro
13-time Pro Bowl
NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
First in sacks (124)
While White went on to spend several seasons with the Green Bay Packers, he was with the Eagles for the majority of his prime. White is regarded as the best defensive player in franchise history and you will still see plenty of Eagles fans wearing #92 jerseys at games today. White’s dominance and legacy will never be forgotten in the City of Brotherly Love.
Lane Johnson
Now here’s the likely controversial choice on my edition of the Eagles Mount Rushmore. Lane Johnson is the only active player that I’ve included on this prestigious list. The 36-year-old former first-round pick remains one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL today and has been a foundational player in Philadelphia during the franchise’s golden era.
Johnson is one of four Eagles players that was on both Super Bowl winning teams in franchise history and is easily the best player among that exclusive group. Here are Johnson’s notable accolades and accomplishments in franchise history:
Super Bowl Champion (LII, LIX)
Two-time First-team All-Pro
Three-time Second-team All-Pro
Six-time Pro Bowl
Eighth in games played (168)
While Johnson may not have the personality that Dawkins or Kelce possessed, he has helped reinvent the right tackle position in the NFL and has remained a pillar on Philadelphia’s offense for over a decade. The team’s record with and without Johnson on the field speaks for itself. When it’s all said and done, Johnson could be remembered as the best offensive lineman in franchise history.