Greatest Eagles Quarterbacks of All-Time
Quarterback is widely viewed as the toughest position to play in all of sports. Several talented quarterbacks have called the City of Brotherly Love home throughout the history of the Philadelphia Eagles. Yet who are the best quarterbacks in franchise history?
In the third installment of my G.O.A.T series for The Philly Special Show, I’m going to rank the top five greatest quarterbacks in franchise history. While putting up gaudy (yet empty) stats will certainly land a quarterback atop certain list in the sports media world, that won’t be the case here.
There is a lot more that goes into playing the quarterback position than throwing for a ton of passing yards and passing touchdowns. Quarterbacks should be accountable leaders that strive for both individual and team success. Here are my top five greatest Eagles quarterbacks of all-time:
5) Ron Jaworski
Jaworski helped revitalize the franchise and served as a pioneer of successful quarterback play in Philadelphia. He led the Eagles to the team’s first NFC Championship in 1980. In 10 seasons with the Eagles, Jaworski threw for 26,963 passing yards — which remains the second-highest total in franchise history.
Jaworski also ranks second in franchise history with 175 passing touchdowns. Although his impressive passing production is weighed down a bit by his franchise record of 151 interceptions. Jaworski’s lack of mobility and turnover issues knocked him down on this list.
The man that many fans know as “Jaws” remains a prominent figure in Philadelphia today. After his playing career was over, Jaworski served as an executive for the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League. He also owns and manages several golf courses around the Philadelphia area.
4) Nick Foles
After initially targeting Russell Wilson in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft, the Eagles eventually settled for Foles in the third round. Foles began his career in Philadelphia as the backup quarterback behind Michael Vick.
While Foles struggled during his rookie season under head coach Andy Reid, he flourished in Chip Kelly’s offense in 2013. Foles had a breakout sophomore season and led the Eagles to a surprise playoff berth while throwing 27 touchdowns and just two interceptions in 13 games.
Yet Foles regressed the following season and was traded to the St. Louis Rams. In 2017, Foles returned to Philadelphia as Carson Wentz’s backup. After Wentz suffered a season-ending knee injury, Foles took the reins and eventually led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history.
3) Randall Cunningham
The Eagles selected Cunningham with the No. 37 overall pick in the 1985 NFL Draft. While he didn’t become the full-time starter until his third season in Philadelphia, Cunningham was worth the wait. He was an electrifying player to watch, given his ability to make explosive plays with both his arm and legs.
Cunningham was one of the original “running quarterbacks” that opened the door for so many players to succeed in today’s NFL. He’s third all-time in franchise history with 22,877 passing yards and 150 passing touchdowns. But his rushing ability separates him from the pack, as he finished his career in Philadelphia with 4,482 rushing yards and 32 rushing touchdowns.
Cunningham’s ability to do it all on the football field is why he received the nickname “Ultimate Weapon.” In 1989, Cunningham actually punted the ball 91 yards, which remains one of the longest punts in NFL history. It’s going to be hard to find another player in NFL history who can throw, run, and, shockingly, punt as good as Cunningham did in the City of Brotherly Love.
2) Donovan McNabb
McNabb was the No. 2 overall pick by the Eagles in the 1999 NFL Draft. While many of Philadelphia’s fans wanted the team to select Ricky Williams instead, McNabb proved to be the right selection. He helped lead the franchise to a ton of postseason success.
During McNabb’s tenure, the Eagles won the NFC East five times, including a division title in 2004. Philadelphia reached the playoffs eight times in McNabb’s 11 seasons with the Eagles. Yet despite all of Philadelphia’s postseason success with McNabb starting at quarterback, they were never able to win it all.
Regardless of the team’s postseason shortcomings, McNabb shattered all of the franchise’s passing records. He ended his career in Philadelphia with 32,873 passing yards and 216 passing touchdowns, which both remain first all-time in franchise history. McNabb also added 3,249 rushing yards and 28 rushing touchdowns on the ground as well.
1) Jalen Hurts
The Eagles shocked the world after selecting Hurts with the No. 53 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Philadelphia had just signed Carson Wentz to a contract extension in 2019, which led many to question the Hurts’ selection. Yet it ultimately proved to be one of the best draft picks in franchise history.
Wentz struggled under the pressure placed upon him by the rookie’s arrival, eventually losing the starting job. Hurts ushered in a new era for the franchise, which embodied his saying of “keeping the main thing the main thing.” Hurts’ dual-threat ability combined with his leadership and drive has helped power the Eagles to new heights.
Hurts has led Philadelphia to the postseason in all four of his seasons as the team’s full-time starter, including two Super Bowl appearances. Unlike McNabb, Hurts was able to lead the Eagles to victory in Super Bowl 59, as he outplayed Patrick Mahomes on the NFL’s biggest stage (for a second time).
While Hurts’ career in Philadelphia is far from over, it’s clear that he has already established himself as the best quarterback in franchise history. Hurts is on pace to break several franchise records, while also leading the most dominant stretch of team success that the City of Brotherly Love has ever experienced.