What are you Looking for?
SHOPPING CART

No Products in the Cart
TOTAL:
$ 0.00
PROCEED TO CHECKOUT
VIEW CART
img

title

  • details
qty X
price

The History of the Philadelphia Eagles

by Evelyn D. Shah on April 24, 2023

The History of the Philadelphia Eagles

Origins of the Eagles Eagles in the 1940s: Eagles in the 1960s: Eagles in the 1970s and 1980s: Eagles in the 1990s: Eagles in the 2000s: Eagles in the 2010s: Eagles in the 2020s and Beyond: Conclusion: FAQs

The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They were established in 1933 and are currently members of the East Division of the National Football Conference (NFC) in the National Football League (NFL).


The Eagles have a storied history, filled with ups and downs, but they remain one of Philadelphia's most beloved sports franchises. The team has won three NFL championships (1948, 1949, 1960) and one Super Bowl (2017).

Origins of the Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles were established in 1933 when a group of investors led by Bert Bell and Lud Wray acquired an NFL franchise for Philadelphia. The team was initially named the Philadelphia Eagles after the National Recovery Administration symbol, a New Deal agency created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. 


SHOP NOW

The Eagles struggled in their first few seasons, winning only two games in their inaugural year. However, the team slowly improved under the guidance of head coach Lud Wray, who led the team to a winning season in 1935.


In 1936, the Eagles made a significant move by drafting future Hall of Fame halfback Steve Van Buren. Van Buren would become one of the greatest players in Eagles' history, leading the team to three NFL championships in the late 1940s and early 1950s.


The Eagles played their home games at Philadelphia Municipal Stadium from 1936 to 1940. In 1941, the team moved to Shibe Park, which they shared with the Philadelphia Athletics baseball team.


During World War II, the Eagles merged with the Pittsburgh Steelers to form a team known as the "Steagles" due to the shortage of players caused by the war. The Steagles lasted only one season before the Eagles resumed play in Philadelphia in 1944.


In 1948, the Eagles won their first NFL championship, defeating the Chicago Cardinals 7-0 in the title game. They followed up their championship season with another title in 1949, becoming the first team to win back-to-back championships since the Green Bay Packers in 1929 and 1930.


The Eagles remained a strong team in the early 1950s, making it to the championship game thrice in 1950, 1952, and 1953. However, they were unable to win another title during this period.


In 1960, the Eagles won their third NFL championship, defeating the Green Bay Packers 17-13 in the title game. The game is often called "The Greatest Game Ever Played," as it was the first NFL championship game to go into overtime.


Overall, the early years of the Eagles were marked by some difficult seasons but also some significant successes. The team's championships in the late 1940s and early 1950s established them as one of the premier NFL franchises. Their win in the 1960 championship game remains one of the most memorable moments in the Eagles' history.



Sources:

"Philadelphia Eagles Franchise Encyclopedia." Pro Football Reference. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/phi/

Eagles in the 1940s:


The 1940s were a successful decade for the Philadelphia Eagles, winning two NFL championships in 1948 and 1949.


The arrival of head coach Earl "Greasy" Neale in 1941 marked the beginning of a new era for the Eagles. Neale, a former NFL player, was known for his authoritarian coaching style and ability to motivate his players.


Under Neale's leadership, the Eagles improved steadily; by the mid-1940s, they were one of the top teams in the NFL. In 1944, the team went 7-1 and made it to the championship game but lost to the Green Bay Packers.


In 1947, the Eagles acquired quarterback Tommy Thompson, who would become one of the team's most essential players in the late 1940s. Thompson's ability to throw the ball downfield gave the Eagles a dynamic passing game unmatched in the league.


In 1948, the Eagles won their first NFL championship in a thrilling game against the Chicago Cardinals. The game was played in a blizzard at Shibe Park in Philadelphia, and the Eagles won 7-0 on a touchdown run by Steve Van Buren.


The following year, the Eagles won their second consecutive NFL championship, defeating the Los Angeles Rams 14-0 in the title game. The Eagle's defense dominated the game, intercepting six passes and holding the Rams to 98 yards of total offense.


The 1949 championship would be the last for the Eagles until 1960, but the team's success in the late 1940s established them as one of the premier NFL franchises. Earl Neale would go on to coach the team until 1950, and he remains one of the most respected coaches in the Eagles' history.


Overall, the 1940s were a successful decade for the Philadelphia Eagles, marked by two NFL championships and the emergence of several key players and coaches who would help to shape the team's identity in the years to come.



Sources:

Eagles in the 1960s:


The Philadelphia Eagles enjoyed sustained success in the 1960s, winning their third NFL championship in 1960 and becoming known as the "NFL's winningest team" of the early part of the decade.


Hiring head coach Buck Shaw in 1958 proved to be a turning point for the Eagles. Shaw, a former player and coach for the San Francisco 49ers brought a disciplined approach to the team and quickly turned them into contenders.


In 1960, the Eagles won their third NFL championship in a thrilling game against the Green Bay Packers. The game is often called "The Greatest Game Ever Played," as it was the first NFL championship game to go into overtime. The Eagles won 17-13 on a touchdown run by fullback Ted Dean.


The team's success in 1960 was primarily due to a strong defense led by Hall of Fame linebacker Chuck Bednarik. Bednarik played linebacker and center for the Eagles, and his toughness and leadership helped establish the team's identity.


The Eagles remained a strong team in the early 1960s but could not win another championship. However, they remained one of the top teams in the NFL and were known for their tenacious defense and decisive running game.


In 1966, the Eagles drafted quarterback Norm Snead, who would become one of the team's most successful quarterbacks of the 1960s. Snead's strong arm and accuracy made him a formidable opponent for opposing defenses, and he helped to lead the team to several winning seasons.


Overall, the 1960s were a successful decade for the Philadelphia Eagles, marked by one NFL championship, sustained success, and the emergence of several key players and coaches who would help to shape the team's identity for years to come.



Sources:

"Norm Snead." Philadelphia Eagles. https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/team/history/legends/norm-snead-0

Eagles in the 1970s and 1980s:


The Philadelphia Eagles experienced some ups and downs in the 1970s and 1980s, but they did make it to their first Super Bowl in 1980 under head coach Dick Vermeil.


Vermeil, a former college coach, was hired by the Eagles in 1976 and quickly turned the team into a contender. He was known for his authoritarian coaching style and ability to motivate his players.


In 1980, the Eagles made it to the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history. The team was led by quarterback Ron Jaworski and running back Wilbert Montgomery, and they went on to face the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XV. However, the Eagles could not come away with a win, losing 27-10.


Despite the disappointment of the Super Bowl loss, the Eagles remained a strong team in the early 1980s. They made the playoffs in 1981 and 1988 but needed help to advance to the Super Bowl.


In the late 1980s, the Eagles began to rebuild under new head coach Buddy Ryan. Ryan, a former defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears, brought a rugged, physical style of football to the Eagles and quickly established them as one of the top defensive teams in the NFL.


Ryan's "Gang Green" defense featured players like Reggie White, Jerome Brown, and Clyde Simmons, and they helped to lead the Eagles to several winning seasons in the late 1980s and early 1990s.


Despite their success, the Eagles could not make it to the Super Bowl under Ryan, and he was fired after the 1990 season. However, his impact on the team's identity and style of play would be felt for years to come.


Overall, the 1970s and 1980s were a period of change and transition for the Philadelphia Eagles, marked by significant successes and disappointments. However, the team's resilience and commitment to excellence helped to establish them as one of the most respected franchises in the NFL.



Sources:

"Reggie White." Pro Football Hall of Fame. https://www.profootballhof.com/players/reggie-white/

Eagles in the 1990s:


The Philadelphia Eagles experienced significant changes and challenges in the 1990s but made it to the playoffs several times under head coach Rich Kotite.


Kotite, a former assistant coach for the New York Jets, was hired by the Eagles in 1991 and quickly turned the team into contenders. In his first season, he led the team to a 10-6 record and a trip to the playoffs.


In 1992, the Eagles made the playoffs again but could not advance past the first round. However, they remained a strong team in the early 1990s, largely thanks to the play of quarterback Randall Cunningham.


Cunningham, who had been with the Eagles since 1985, was known for his athleticism and ability to make plays with his arm and legs. He was one of the most exciting players in the NFL in the early 1990s and helped to lead the Eagles to several winning seasons.


In 1995, the Eagles made it to the playoffs again but could not advance past the first round. The team struggled in the following years, and Kotite was fired after the 1994 season.


In 1999, the Eagles hired head coach Andy Reid, one of the most successful coaches in franchise history. Reid brought a new offensive philosophy to the team and quickly established them as one of the top teams in the NFC.


Under Reid's leadership, the Eagles made it to the playoffs several times in the early 2000s, including a trip to the Super Bowl in 2004. Although they could not win the Super Bowl that year, the team's success under Reid helped establish them as one of the most respected franchises in the NFL.


Overall, the 1990s were a period of change and transition for the Philadelphia Eagles, marked by significant successes and disappointments. However, the team's resilience and commitment to excellence helped to pave the way for their success in the years to come.



Sources:

"Andy Reid." Pro Football Hall of Fame. https://www.profootballhof.com/players/andy-reid/

Eagles in the 2000s:


The Philadelphia Eagles enjoyed sustained success in the 2000s, with head coach Andy Reid leading the team to five NFC Championship games and a trip to the Super Bowl in 2004.


In 2000, the Eagles drafted quarterback Donovan McNabb, one of the most successful quarterbacks in franchise history. McNabb's ability to make plays with his arm and legs helped establish the Eagles as one of the top offensive teams in the NFL.


In 2001, the Eagles made it to the NFC Championship game but could not advance to the Super Bowl. However, they remained a strong team in the following years, causing it to the playoffs five times from 2001 to 2005.


In 2004, the Eagles made it to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1980. The team was led by McNabb, running back Brian Westbrook, and a strong defense that featured players like Brian Dawkins and Jeremiah Trotter. However, they could not come away with a win, losing to the New England Patriots 24-21.


Despite the disappointment of the Super Bowl loss, the Eagles remained a strong team in the late 2000s, making it to the NFC Championship game in 2008 and 2009. However, they could not advance to the Super Bowl in either year.


In 2010, the Eagles hired coach Chip Kelly, who brought a fast-paced, high-scoring offense to the team. Kelly's offense was led by quarterback Michael Vick, who had a career resurgence in Philadelphia.


Under Kelly's leadership, the Eagles made the playoffs in 2013 but could not advance past the first round. Kelly was fired after the 2015 season, and the team has since undergone a period of rebuilding.


Overall, the 2000s were a successful decade for the Philadelphia Eagles, marked by sustained success and a trip to the Super Bowl. The team's commitment to excellence under Andy Reid helped to establish them as one of the premier franchises in the NFL.



Sources:

Eagles in the 2010s:


The Philadelphia Eagles experienced significant ups and downs in the 2010s, marked by a rebuilding period and a Super Bowl championship in 2017.


In 2010, the Eagles hired head coach Andy Reid's assistant, Doug Pederson, as their quarterback's coach. Pederson would eventually become the team's head coach in 2016 and play a vital role in the team's success in the late 2010s.


In 2013, the Eagles hired Chip Kelly as their head coach, and he brought a fast-paced, high-scoring offense to the team. Kelly's offense was led by quarterback Michael Vick, who had a career resurgence in Philadelphia.


Under Kelly's leadership, the Eagles made the playoffs in 2013 but could not advance past the first round. Kelly was fired after the 2015 season, and the team underwent a period of rebuilding.


In 2016, the Eagles hired Doug Pederson as their head coach, and he quickly turned the team around. Pederson's leadership and innovative offensive strategies helped to establish the Eagles as one of the top teams in the NFC.


In 2017, the Eagles made it to the Super Bowl for the third time in franchise history, facing off against the New England Patriots. Led by quarterback Nick Foles, who had taken over for the injured Carson Wentz, the Eagles won a thrilling game 41-33, capturing their first Super Bowl championship.


Despite some setbacks in the following years, including injuries to key players like Wentz, the Eagles remained a strong team under Pederson's leadership. However, after a disappointing 2020 season, Pederson was fired, and the group began another period of rebuilding.


Overall, the 2010s were a decade of change and transition for the Philadelphia Eagles, marked by significant successes and disappointments. However, the team's resilience and commitment to excellence helped to establish them as one of the most respected franchises in the NFL.



Sources:

"Carson Wentz." Philadelphia Eagles. https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/team/players-roster/carson-wentz/

Eagles in the 2020s and Beyond:


The Philadelphia Eagles entered the 2020s with a renewed focus on rebuilding and retooling their roster under new head coach Nick Sirianni.


Sirianni was hired in January 2021 after the team parted ways with former head coach Doug Pederson. Sirianni, a former offensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts, brought new energy and enthusiasm to the team, and he has been focused on building a winning culture in Philadelphia.


One of the critical areas of focus for the Eagles in the 2020s has been the quarterback position. After several years of instability at work, the team drafted quarterback Jalen Hurts in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.


Hurts showed promise in his rookie season, but the Eagles also made headlines in the offseason by trading longtime starting quarterback Carson Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts. The move signaled a shift in focus for the team as they looked to build around Hurts and a new core of young players.


In addition to Hurts, the Eagles have been focused on rebuilding their defense under new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. Gannon, a former assistant coach for the Indianapolis Colts, has brought a new scheme and approach to the team's defense. He has been focused on developing young players and creating a more aggressive and disruptive unit.


Overall, the 2020s are shaping up to be a period of rebuilding and transition for the Philadelphia Eagles as they look to establish a new identity and build a competitive team for years.



Sources:

Conclusion:


The history of the Philadelphia Eagles is one of resilience, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. From their origins in 1933 to their most recent seasons, the Eagles have been one of the most respected and successful franchises in the NFL.


Throughout history, the Eagles have seen many great players and coaches come and go. Still, they have remained dedicated to building a winning culture and putting a competitive team on the field.


The team's success in the 1940s, 1960s, and 2010s and their Super Bowl championship in 2017 is a testament to the talent and determination of the players and coaches who have worn the Eagles uniform over the years.


Looking to the future, the Eagles are poised for another period of rebuilding and transition under new head coach Nick Sirianni. With a talented young quarterback in Jalen Hurts and a renewed focus on developing a solid defense, the team is well-positioned to compete and succeed in future years.


Overall, the Philadelphia Eagles have a rich and storied history of triumphs and challenges. Their commitment to excellence and dedication to building a winning culture have helped establish them as one of the premier franchises in the NFL, and their legacy is sure to endure for many years to come.



Sources:

FAQs

What was the Philadelphia Eagles' original name?

The Philadelphia Eagles' original name was the "Frankford Yellow Jackets." The team was founded in 1899 as an amateur football team in the Frankford neighborhood of Philadelphia. They joined the National Football League (NFL) in 1924 as the Frankford Yellow Jackets. The team played under that name until 1931 when financial troubles forced them to suspend operations. In 1933, a new group was formed in Philadelphia, and they were initially known as the "Philadelphia Eagles."

Why is it called Philadelphia Eagles?

The team was named the Philadelphia Eagles after a contest was held to choose a new name for the franchise. The team's co-founder and owner, Bert Bell, wanted a name representing strength, courage, and freedom, and he felt that the eagle was a fitting symbol for the team and the city of Philadelphia. The eagle is also the national bird of the United States and is often associated with American patriotism and freedom. Ultimately, the contest judges chose the name "Philadelphia Eagles," which has since become one of the most iconic and recognizable names in the NFL.

Has Philadelphia Eagles won a Super Bowl?

Yes, the Philadelphia Eagles have won a Super Bowl. They won Super Bowl LII (52) on February 4, 2018, defeating the New England Patriots 41-33. The game was played at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the Eagles were led by quarterback Nick Foles, who threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns and was named the game's Most Valuable Player (MVP). The Super Bowl victory was the first in franchise history for the Eagles and a historic moment for the team and its fans.

SHOP NOW

Evelyn D. Shah

Evelyn D. Shah is a seasoned sports blogger with 15 years of experience covering the NFL. Throughout her career, she has established herself as a reliable news source and analysis for football fans worldwide. Her passion for the sport is evident in her writing, as she delivers insightful and engaging content on various topics related to the NFL. With her extensive knowledge and expertise, Evelyn is a trusted voice in the world of sports journalism, and she continues to be a go-to resource for all things NFL. 

Tag: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
BACK TO TOP