The Philadelphia Eagles have been home to legends, warriors, and unforgettable characters since their founding in 1933. Few franchises blend grit and glamour the way the Eagles do, with a fan base that demands toughness and rewards excellence. Selecting an all-time team is no easy task, but here is the lineup that best captures the spirit of Philadelphia football.
Donovan McNabb, Quarterback
The winningest quarterback in Eagles history guided the team to five NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl appearance. McNabb’s arm strength, mobility, and leadership redefined the position in Philadelphia. He left the franchise as its all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns.
Honorable mention: Ron Jaworski, Randall Cunningham, Nick Foles.
Steve Van Buren, Running Back
The Hall of Famer was the NFL’s first true workhorse back. Van Buren powered the Eagles to two NFL championships in the 1940s, leading the league in rushing four times. He was the ultimate bruiser, carrying the offense when everyone in the stadium knew he was getting the ball.
Honorable mention: Wilbert Montgomery, Brian Westbrook.
LeSean McCoy, Running Back
“Shady” is the franchise’s all-time leading rusher. His dazzling cuts and vision made defenders look silly, and he gave the Eagles their most dynamic backfield threat of the modern era. McCoy’s 2,000-yard season from scrimmage in 2013 remains one of the greatest single-year efforts in franchise history.
Honorable mention: Ricky Watters, Miles Sanders.
Harold Carmichael, Wide Receiver
At 6-foot-8, Carmichael was a walking mismatch. He led the team in receiving for 10 straight seasons, made four Pro Bowls, and became one of the most reliable pass catchers in NFL history. The Hall of Famer embodied consistency.
Honorable mention: DeSean Jackson, Irving Fryar.
Tommy McDonald, Wide Receiver
McDonald was undersized, but you would never know it. He brought speed, toughness, and big-play flair to Philadelphia. A six-time Pro Bowler and member of the 1960 championship squad, McDonald was a fan favorite and one of the NFL’s most colorful personalities.
Honorable mention: Mike Quick, Terrell Owens.
Pete Retzlaff, Tight End
Before tight ends became fashionable as playmakers, Retzlaff was already rewriting the book. A five-time Pro Bowler and captain of the 1960 championship team, he caught over 450 passes in his career and defined the position for his generation.
Honorable mention: Zach Ertz, Brent Celek, Keith Jackson.
Chuck Bednarik, Offensive Line
Before “Concrete Charlie” was knocking ball carriers into next week as a linebacker, he was anchoring the Eagles’ offensive line. Bednarik is remembered as the last true two-way player, and his grit alone earns him a spot on this team.
Honorable mention: Bob Brown, Tra Thomas.
Jason Peters, Offensive Line
Few tackles in NFL history could dominate like Peters. Acquired in a trade with Buffalo, he became a cornerstone for more than a decade, earning nine Pro Bowls and earning the respect of every defensive end who had to line up against him.
Honorable mention: Stan Walters, Lane Johnson.
Jon Runyan, Offensive Line
Runyan was pure Philadelphia. He played tough, mean football and rarely backed down. From 2000 through 2008, he was the heartbeat of the line, protecting McNabb’s blind side and opening holes for the run game.
Honorable mention: Jerry Sisemore, Jason Kelce.
Al Wistert, Offensive Line
A member of the 1940s championship teams, Wistert was an All-Pro nearly every season of his career. He was undersized compared to today’s tackles, but he excelled through technique, toughness, and intelligence.
Honorable mention: Bucko Kilroy, Hank Fraley.
Reggie White, Defensive Line
The Minister of Defense is the most dominant player ever to wear Eagles green. White’s blend of power and finesse made him unblockable. He recorded 124 sacks in just eight seasons in Philadelphia and was the heart of Buddy Ryan’s fearsome defense.
Honorable mention: Hugh Douglas, Clyde Simmons.
Fletcher Cox, Defensive Line
Cox was a wrecking ball in the trenches for over a decade. His ability to collapse the pocket and dominate against the run made him the defining defensive tackle of the modern Eagles. He played a critical role in the 2017 Super Bowl run.
Honorable mention: Jerome Brown, Corey Simon.
Jerome Brown, Defensive Line
Gone too soon, Brown was a Pro Bowl talent who embodied Eagles swagger. His quickness and relentless motor made him one of the most feared defensive tackles of his era. His legacy still resonates with fans and teammates.
Honorable mention: Mike Patterson, Brandon Graham.
Bill Bergey, Linebacker
The centerpiece of the Eagles defense in the 1970s, Bergey brought intimidation and production. A five-time Pro Bowler, he helped set the tone for a franchise that prided itself on toughness.
Honorable mention: Byron Evans, Seth Joyner.
Chuck Bednarik, Linebacker
Yes, Bednarik earns a second spot here. Known for the famous tackle on Frank Gifford, he was the soul of Eagles football. His ability to dominate both sides of the ball has become legend.
Honorable mention: Jeremiah Trotter, Maxie Baughan.
Seth Joyner, Linebacker
Joyner was the heart of Buddy Ryan’s defense. Fierce, versatile, and a leader, he could cover tight ends, blitz quarterbacks, and stop the run with equal skill. Joyner’s fiery play gave the Eagles their edge in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Honorable mention: Ike Reese, William Thomas.
Jeremiah Trotter, Linebacker
“The Axe Man” patrolled the middle with force. Trotter’s hitting ability and presence helped Philadelphia’s defense maintain a hard-nosed identity during the Andy Reid years.
Honorable mention: Jordan Hicks, Nigel Bradham.
Eric Allen, Cornerback
One of the greatest corners of his generation, Allen combined coverage skills with a knack for the big play. He intercepted 34 passes as an Eagle and scored five defensive touchdowns.
Honorable mention: Troy Vincent, Bobby Taylor.
Asante Samuel, Cornerback
Samuel was a ball hawk. His ability to bait quarterbacks into bad throws made him one of the most feared corners of his era. He picked off 23 passes in four seasons in Philadelphia.
Honorable mention: Lito Sheppard, Al Harris.
Brian Dawkins, Safety
No player embodies Eagles football more than Dawkins. Weapon X was a ferocious hitter, an emotional leader, and a fan favorite who played every snap with fire. His Hall of Fame induction felt like a victory for the entire city of Philadelphia.
Honorable mention: Andre Waters, Michael Lewis.
Malcolm Jenkins, Safety
Jenkins was the quarterback of the defense during the Doug Pederson era. He rarely came off the field, excelled in coverage, and delivered countless timely plays. Jenkins was indispensable to the 2017 Super Bowl team.
Honorable mention: Wes Hopkins, Quintin Mikell.
David Akers, Placekicker
For over a decade, Akers was money. He scored more points than any Eagle in history and gave the team stability at a position that often causes chaos elsewhere.
Honorable mention: Jake Elliott, Bobby Walston.
Sean Landeta, Punter
Landeta enjoyed a long career and delivered reliability with his leg. While punter is not the flashiest position, he provided consistency and field position that mattered in big games.
Honorable mention: Donnie Jones, Max Runager.
This all-time roster blends legends from the early days with modern stars. From Van Buren to Dawkins, from Bednarik to McNabb, the Eagles have never lacked for greatness. Philadelphia football has always been about passion, toughness, and heart, and this group captures it all.
