After Chris Long came out and stated that if he was ever to officially retire from Football, he’d want to do so as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, it got me thinking. Who are going to be the next five players to hang up the cleats as a member of the organization?
Honorable mention: Malcolm Jenkins
Had it not been for Jenkins reuniting with the Saints after Howie Roseman spent two years refusing to pay him the money he deserves, this one felt like an obvious choice. Jenkins played his heart out during his time with the Eagles, played near enough every snap, and of course won a Super Bowl as a key leader. Off the field, he started his own business, donated countless hours and funds to local charities, and was a huge catalyst in the fight against social injustice. It would be amazing to see Jenkins come back to Philadelphia to say goodbye, but I don’t feel like that will happen now.
LeSean McCoy
With talk of Shady rejoining the Eagles already snowballing, a potential retirement in midnight green more than makes sense. In fact, he already said during Super Bowl week as a member of the Chiefs that he plans to retire as an Eagle. Now, at age 31 and with his role in teams gradually diminishing, there may be one last rodeo for the generationally talented human joystick who spent 2009-2014 with the Birds, recording 9,074 scrimmage yards and 3 pro bowls. But there isn’t, we can still expect McCoy to retire in Philly.
DeSean Jackson
The return of D-Jax to the Eagles was one that made hearts of fans everywhere soar. In the years prior to the painful departure, the 33-year-old recorded 6,117 yards and 32 touchdowns for Philly and eventually found his way back home last offseason. While 2019 was non-existent after an injury, fans at least received a sign of what could’ve been with a salivating performance against his other former team in week one. It’s hard to imagine Jackson retiring elsewhere…after all, he came back home to end his career.
Jason Peters
The bodyguard’s run in Philly might not be over yet – especially with the injury to Brandon Brooks at RG. If it is, I somehow think Peters will kick on for a while. After playing for the Eagles from 2009-2019 and garnering 9 pro bowls, Peters is undoubtedly a hall of famer and it’s almost absurd to imagine him retiring elsewhere.
Jason Kelce
Drafted by the Eagles, rose to prominence with the Eagles, won a ring with the Eagles. Jason Kelce embodies this city perfectly and he still doesn’t get the recognition he deserves as a truly generationally gifted center who can move so blindingly fast. Some assumed the 3x pro bowler would retire this offseason, but Kelce said that he’ll make sure his sendoff is a memorable one…and it’s probably going to make us all cry.
Brandon Graham
Brandon Graham is another player who has spent his entire career with the Eagles. We all remember the scene after that playoff loss to New Orleans. Graham thought his career with the Eagles was over, hugging media members and fighting back the tears. He was finally given a deserved payday that will likely see the 32-year-old end his career in Philly.
Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
