The Philadelphia Eagles have unveiled their all-time 25-year roster, highlighting standout players who defined the franchise from 2000 to 2024, with Jalen Hurts leading as the star quarterback. This landmark announcement celebrates the franchise’s successful run, marked by two Super Bowl championships and consistent playoff appearances. The selection underscores Hurts’ pivotal role in shaping the team‘s recent era and honors numerous players who contributed significantly to the Eagles’ success in the NFC East and beyond.
Philadelphia Eagles’ Dominance Over the Last Quarter-Century
Since the turn of the millennium, Philadelphia has emerged as one of the NFL’s most formidable teams, securing two Super Bowl titles in the last eight years and playing in four total Super Bowls. The franchise ranks second in playoff game appearances (35) and victories (20) behind only the New England Patriots. Philadelphia also leads the NFC with eight conference championship game appearances and holds the third-highest number of postseason berths this century.
The Eagles have won 11 NFC East titles since 2000 and recorded 18 winning seasons, a sharp contrast to the franchise’s more modest record the previous century when it managed a single conference title appearance and one Super Bowl appearance since the NFL-AFL merger. Their sustained success has repositioned them as the top contender in their division, outpacing NFC East rivals.
Significantly, the Eagles are only the second team in the salary cap era to capture multiple championships with different head coach and quarterback combinations. This era began with the arrival of Andy Reid in 2000, who laid the foundation for a roster built on his winning philosophy, culminating in championship success even after his tenure.
Quarterbacks Defining Philadelphia’s Last 25 Years
The Eagles’ 25-year team rosters three quarterbacks: Jalen Hurts, Donovan McNabb, and Nick Foles, each integral to Philadelphia’s recent highlight reel. Hurts, the cornerstone of the franchise’s current success, was destined for inclusion alongside his MVP-winning performance in Super Bowl LIX. He holds the NFL record for the most total touchdowns by a quarterback in his first two Super Bowls (seven) and has maintained a remarkable 46-20 record as a starter with a .697 win percentage, ranking fifth since the 1970 merger.
Hurts’ playoff contributions stand out with a postseason completion rate of 66.8%, 10 touchdown passes against three interceptions, and a passer rating of 95.4. He also set an NFL postseason record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback, scoring 10, making him unique for achieving double-digit passing and rushing touchdowns in playoff games.
Donovan McNabb remains Philadelphia’s all-time passing leader, amassing 32,873 yards and 234 touchdowns over 11 seasons, with six Pro Bowl nods. His leadership propelled the Eagles to five conference championship games, posting a starter record of 98-62-1. Nick Foles earned legendary status with one of the greatest postseason runs in franchise history, boasting the best NFL playoff completion percentage at 68.1%. Foles’ crowning achievement came as Super Bowl LII MVP, where he threw for 373 yards, three touchdowns, and famously caught a touchdown reception on the iconic “Philly Special.”
Elite Running Backs Powering the Eagles’ Offense
The running back position on the quarter-century team includes LeSean McCoy, Brian Westbrook, and Saquon Barkley, three transformative players whose rushing prowess shaped the franchise’s identity. McCoy, the franchise’s leading rusher with 6,792 yards and 44 touchdowns, earned two first-team All-Pro honors and three Pro Bowl selections. His 2013 season saw him lead the league in rushing yards (1,607), and in 2011 he topped the NFL in rushing and scrimmage touchdowns.
Brian Westbrook contributed 5,995 rushing yards and 37 touchdowns, making two Pro Bowls and setting the league lead in yards from scrimmage in 2007 with 2,104 yards. Over eight seasons, he accumulated 9,785 yards from scrimmage and scored 66 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Pro recognition in 2007.
Saquon Barkley’s impact was immediate and historic, setting NFL single-season records for rushing yards (2,504) and total yards from scrimmage (2,857) including playoffs, all in his rookie year. Barkley also set the record for most touchdown runs of 60-plus yards in a season with seven, including three in the postseason—a unique feat in NFL history. His performance was instrumental in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory.
Fullback Spotlight: Leonard Weaver’s Brief but Impactful Career
Leonard Weaver earns the fullback spot on the roster, reflecting the position’s strategic importance in the 2000s. Despite playing only one full season and suffering a career-ending torn ACL and nerve damage in 2010, Weaver made a lasting impression as a reliable receiving threat, achieving first-team All-Pro status in 2009.
Wide Receivers Who Revolutionized the Eagles’ Passing Game
Five wide receivers were chosen for the team: A.J. Brown, DeSean Jackson*, DeVonta Smith, Terrell Owens, and Jeremy Maclin. Brown, acquired in 2022, quickly established himself with three straight 1,000-yard seasons and multiple All-Pro distinctions. He set the Eagles’ single-season record for receptions by a wide receiver (106) and total yardage (1,496), while forming one of the best receiver duos in franchise history with Devonta Smith, who recorded two 1,000-yard seasons and 27 touchdowns.
Terrell Owens, arriving mid-era, was a breakthrough No. 1 receiver with 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns in 14 games despite a broken fibula. He notably played in Super Bowl XXXIX with one healthy leg, amassing nine catches for 122 yards. DeSean Jackson holds the team record for most receiving yards this century (6,512) and was celebrated for his deep-ball skills, earning three Pro Bowls and a second-team All-Pro nod. Jeremy Maclin contributed significantly with 4,771 yards and 36 touchdowns over five seasons.
Tight Ends Brimming with Reliability and Clutch Performances
The tight end position formed the most challenging selection category but ultimately included Zach Ertz, Brent Celek, and Chad Lewis. Ertz set the franchise record for receptions in a single season by a tight end with 116 and was responsible for the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl LII. With 6,267 receiving yards—the most by an Eagles tight end—and 579 receptions, Ertz earned three Pro Bowl selections.
Brent Celek’s loyal tenure provided steady leadership, finishing with 398 catches and close to 5,000 yards, ranking third among Eagles players this century. Chad Lewis, a three-time Pro Bowler from 2000 to 2002, also earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2000.
Offensive Tackles Anchoring the Line Across Eras
Jason Peters, Lane Johnson, Tra Thomas, and Jon Runyan represent the elite tackles protecting the Eagles’ quarterbacks. Peters’ 11 seasons included seven Pro Bowls and two first-team All-Pro honors, as well as a place on the 2010s All-Decade Team. Johnson, a key figure on two Super Bowl-winning lines, earned six Pro Bowls and two first-team All-Pros. Thomas and Runyan anchored the line from 2000 to 2008 with multiple Pro Bowls and All-Pro nods, showcasing dominance at their positions during their eras.
Consistent Excellence from Philadelphia’s Guards
Brandon Brooks, Landon Dickerson, Shawn Andrews, and Evan Mathis make up the guard selections, each notable for their impact on the Eagles’ offensive success. Brooks earned three consecutive Pro Bowls and was one of the league’s best guards during his six years. Dickerson, a current standout with three Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl ring, continues to anchor the line. Andrews and Mathis also earned multiple Pro Bowls and All-Pro selections during their tenures.
Jason Kelce: The Unrivaled Center of the Eagles’ Success
Jason Kelce stands as a landmark pick, widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in NFL history and the most outstanding Eagles player of the quarter-century. Earning six first-team All-Pro honors in his 30s—a record for players in their 30s—Kelce shared rare distinctions with legends like Dwight Stephenson. His leadership on the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII championship team and consistent excellence secured his place as an essential figure in franchise history.
Defensive Edge Rushers Leading Philadelphia’s Pass Rush
Brandon Graham, Trent Cole, Hugh Douglas, Josh Sweat, and Haason Reddick comprise the list of standout pass rushers for the Eagles in the past 25 years. Graham spent his entire 15-year career in Philadelphia, contributing 76.5 sacks and two Super Bowl titles. Cole holds the franchise’s sack record this century with 85.5, including four seasons with double-digit sacks and two Pro Bowl appearances.
Douglas was a dominant force with three consecutive Pro Bowls and two All-Pro selections, tallying 37 sacks over three seasons. Reddick’s two Pro Bowls and 27 sacks in two seasons helped the team reach Super Bowl LVII, while Sweat’s seven-season career featured a Super Bowl LIX performance with 2.5 sacks that earned him a spot on this roster.
Interior Defensive Line Strength: Tackles Who Anchored the Front
Fletcher Cox, Corey Simon, Jalen Carter, and Javon Hargrave had commanding presence along the defensive front. Cox, a six-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro, has a strong Hall of Fame case built on 70 sacks during 12 years in Philadelphia. Carter, a rising star in just two seasons, was instrumental in the 2024 playoffs and earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors early. Simon contributed 32 sacks over five seasons, making a Pro Bowl, while Hargrave added 23 sacks in three seasons with one Pro Bowl selection.
Linebackers Known for Leadership and Record-Setting Seasons
Jeremiah Trotter Sr. and Zack Baun earned the linebacker spots, despite the Eagles lacking a wealth of off-ball linebacker stars this century. Trotter was a dominant MIKE linebacker with four Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams, returning in 2004 to bolster the team’s push to Super Bowl XXXIX. Baun’s 2024 season was historic, being the first to record over 150 tackles and five forced fumbles in one year, earning him a first-team All-Pro selection and playing a decisive role in Philadelphia’s top-ranked defense and Super Bowl LIX triumph.
Cornerbacks Forming a Remarkably Deep Philadelphia Group
Troy Vincent, Darius Slay, Bobby Taylor, Asante Samuel, and Lito Sheppard highlight a cornerback corps that has been a strength for Philadelphia over the last 25 years. Vincent earned five consecutive Pro Bowls and a first-team All-Pro nod in 2002. Alongside Taylor, they formed one of the NFL’s best cornerback duos, with Taylor contributing 19 interceptions and a Pro Bowl appearance.
Slay was a defensive leader during his five seasons, winning a Super Bowl and earning three Pro Bowls. Sheppard made two Pro Bowls and was a first-team All-Pro in 2004. Samuel, with 23 interceptions in four seasons including nine interceptions leading the league in 2008, was a key component in Philadelphia’s surprise NFC Championship run that year.
Safety Position Filled by Franchise Icons and Defensive Pillars
The safety selections include Brian Dawkins, Malcolm Jenkins, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Rodney McLeod, and Quintin Mikell*, players known for their defensive leadership and impact. Dawkins, the only Hall of Famer spanning the 25-year period, earned four first-team All-Pro honors, seven Pro Bowls, and shares the franchise interception record. Jenkins, a three-time Pro Bowler, was a key contributor on Philadelphia’s Super Bowl LII team.
Gardner-Johnson helped guide the defense through two Super Bowl appearances with 12 interceptions in 28 games. McLeod offered steady reliability and leadership during six seasons, and Mikell combined defensive excellence with special teams prowess, securing two All-Pro selections.
Special Teams Specialists Integral to Philadelphia’s Success
David Akers, Donnie Jones, Brian Mitchell, Darren Sproles, and Jon Dorenbos feature as the special teams elite. Akers, a five-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro, was one of the most dependable kickers in the league during his 12-season tenure. Donnie Jones excelled as a punter, with career-best averages in net yards and punts inside the 20-yard line during his five years.
Brian Mitchell was a game-changer returning kicks and punts in the early 2000s, scoring four return touchdowns and maintaining impressive average return yardage. Darren Sproles dominated punt returns with four touchdowns across two seasons and earned three consecutive Pro Bowls and an All-Pro nod late in his career. Long snapper Jon Dorenbos provided consistency in 162 consecutive games, two Pro Bowls, and was honored with a Super Bowl ring after his retirement due to a health issue.
Special teamers Ike Reese, Chris Maragos, and Quintin Mikell* further highlight the importance of this phase, with Reese earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2004 and Maragos serving as a key locker room leader on the Super Bowl LII team.