As we look ahead to the first quarterback pick later this month, Betway are offering various odds with Miami's Cameron Ward currently set to be the favourite. The Philadelphia Eagles have had a rich and fascinating history in the NFL, stretching all the way back to their founding in 1933. Throughout the years, the franchise has been home to some remarkable quarterbacks who have shaped different eras and led the team to great achievements. While some of these players were known for their impressive stats, others stood out for their leadership and knack for performing under pressure. Let’s take a closer look at the top seven quarterbacks in Eagles history.
7. Ron Jaworski (1977-1986)
Ron Jaworski, fondly nicknamed "Jaws," was at the helm of the Eagles during one of their most triumphant times. Joining the team in 1977, Jaworski was instrumental in steering the Eagles to their first Super Bowl appearance in 1980. Over his time in Philadelphia, he threw for more than 26,000 yards and racked up 175 touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 1980. His grit and resilience made him a beloved figure among fans and one of the longest-serving quarterbacks in the franchise's history.
6. Randall Cunningham (1985-1995)
Randall Cunningham truly transformed the quarterback role with his incredible mix of arm strength and agility. Known as "The Ultimate Weapon," he had the power to turn the tide of a game all on his own thanks to his dual-threat capabilities. Over his career, he threw for more than 22,800 yards and 150 touchdowns, while also rushing for an impressive 4,482 yards and 32 touchdowns. Even though the Eagles didn’t make it to a Super Bowl during his tenure, his influence on the game and the franchise is still felt today.
5. Norm Van Brocklin (1958-1960)
Even though he only played three seasons in Philadelphia, Norm Van Brocklin left a lasting mark on Eagles history by guiding the team to the 1960 NFL Championship—their last title before the Super Bowl era began. He earned the league’s MVP award that same year, tossing 24 touchdowns. His leadership and experience were vital in securing Philadelphia’s championship win against the Green Bay Packers, which firmly established his legacy.
4. Nick Foles (2012-2014, 2017-2018)
Nick Foles will always hold a special place in the hearts of Philadelphia fans for bringing home the Eagles' first Super Bowl title in 2017. Stepping in for an injured Carson Wentz, Foles took the team on an unforgettable playoff journey that ended with a Super Bowl LII win against the New England Patriots. He threw for an impressive 373 yards and three touchdowns in that game, and let’s not forget that unforgettable moment when he caught the famous "Philly Special" touchdown pass. While his time with the Eagles wasn’t the longest, his incredible performance in 2017 guarantees that his legacy will live on.
3. Donovan McNabb (1999-2009)
As the Eagles’ all-time leader in passing yards (32,873) and passing touchdowns (216), Donovan McNabb was the face of the franchise for more than a decade. Under the guidance of head coach Andy Reid, McNabb led the team to five NFC Championship games and even made it to the Super Bowl in 2004. With his powerful arm and knack for extending plays, McNabb earned six Pro Bowl selections and is remembered as one of the most reliable quarterbacks in the team's history. Although he didn’t manage to secure a Super Bowl win, his influence on the franchise is truly undeniable.
2. Jalen Hurts (2020-Present)
Even though Jalen Hurts is still in the early stages of his career, his swift ascent to stardom definitely earns him a top spot on this list. After stepping in as the full-time starter in 2021, Hurts has demonstrated remarkable leadership, impressive passing skills, and great mobility. He led the Eagles to Super Bowl LVII in 2022, where he put on a fantastic show, even though they narrowly lost to the Kansas City Chiefs. With his exciting playmaking and strong leadership, it’s clear he has the potential to rise even higher on this list as his career unfolds.
1. Tommy Thompson (1941-1950)
Tommy Thompson might not be a household name like today’s quarterbacks, but his impact on the franchise was huge. He guided the Eagles to consecutive NFL Championships in 1948 and 1949, making him the only quarterback in the team’s history to snag multiple league titles. Playing in a time when passing wasn’t as common, Thompson still managed to rack up impressive stats while leading one of the most formidable teams of the late 1940s.
Honorable Mentions
There have been several quarterbacks who have made a significant impact on the Eagles over the years. Carson Wentz played a crucial role in the team’s success in 2017 before his unfortunate injury, while Michael Vick brought some truly electrifying moments during his time with the team. Sonny Jurgensen, although he’s often associated with Washington, actually kicked off his Hall of Fame career in Philadelphia.
The legacy is as vibrant as ever
The Philadelphia Eagles have had their fair share of legendary quarterbacks throughout their history. From trailblazers like Tommy Thompson to modern-day stars like Jalen Hurts, each player has left their own unique imprint on the franchise. As Hurts continues to develop in his career, he has the chance to rise even higher in these rankings and potentially lead the Eagles to more Super Bowl victories in the future. One thing is for sure: the legacy of outstanding quarterbacks in Philadelphia is as vibrant as ever.
