The Philadelphia Eagles are a historic franchise that was founded in 1933. While the team has only won just one Super Bowl, there are several notable moments to reminisce on throughout the years.
Ranking the Greatest Moments in Philadelphia Eagles’ History
While a moment is defined as “a very brief period of time,” they are often remembered for an eternity. That’s exactly the case with the five best moments in Eagles history.
Although narrowing this prestigious list down to a top five was difficult, it’s worth mentioning the moments that narrowly missed the cut. While “4th and 26” is one of the wildest conversions in NFL history, it essentially didn’t amount to much in the grand scheme of things.
“Miracle at the Meadowlands I” in 1978 was a shocking play that allowed Philadelphia to carry momentum into future seasons. Yet the play was essentially a fluke as the Eagles didn’t really force a turnover, the New York Giants just completely botched the opportunity.
Several other moments deserve an honorable mention over the years. It’s time to finally dive into the five of the Eagles’ all-time best moments!
5) Steve Van Buren Secures First NFL Championship (1948)
Although Super Bowl 52 will forever be remembered as Philadelphia’s first Super Bowl victory, it wasn’t the franchise’s first championship, as the Eagles won the NFL Championship in 1948 — technically the team’s first title.
In 1947, the Eagles faced the Chicago Cardinals in the NFL Championship, although Philadelphia ultimately lost 28-21. Fast forward to 1948 and both teams faced off in a rematch that the Eagles were waiting for.
The 1948 NFL Championship was the first title game to be televised in league history. As heavy snow covered the field, the game was delayed and Eagles running back Steve Van Buren almost missed the game since he thought it was going to be canceled.
Yet Van Buren eventually made it to the stadium and fittingly scored the only touchdown in the entire matchup. Van Buren scored on a five-yard run in the fourth quarter as the Eagles got their revenge with a 7-0 victory.
4) Miracle at the Meadowlands II (2010)
While “Miracle at the Meadowlands I” was an unforgettable moment, it was eventually topped by an epic performance in 2010. In what was essentially a must-win game for both teams, the Eagles came out flat against the Giants on the road.
It appeared as though New York was going to steamroll the Eagles on the way to a crucial division win in December. Giants quarterback Eli Manning completed a touchdown pass to tight end Kevin Boss with 8:17 left in the game to give New York a 31-10 lead.
The Giants appeared to be running away with a pivotal victory, but the Eagles refused to lay down in the fourth quarter. Eagles quarterback Michael Vick put the team on his back in an inspiring rally to tie the game up at 31-31 with 1:16 remaining on the clock.
New York got the ball back in good field position, but Philadelphia’s defense quickly shut down their final drive. The Giants were forced to punt with 14 seconds remaining in the game. In an epic turn of events, New York opted to punt to electric returner DeSean Jackson, who returned the punt 65 yards for a game-winning touchdown as time expired.
3) Wilbert Montgomery’s 42-Yard Rushing Touchdown (1980)
After losing in the divisional round of the playoffs in 1979, the Eagles were back with a vengeance in 1980. Philadelphia finished the regular season with a record of 12-4, securing first place in the NFC East and another trip to the playoffs.
In the NFC Championship game, Philadelphia hosted the division rival Dallas Cowboys. Although Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski struggled mightily, running back Wilbert Montgomery put the team on his back with an unforgettable performance.
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While Philadelphia’s passing attack was non-existent, Montgomery ran for 194 rushing yards and a 42-yard touchdown. Many in attendance at the game claim that the crowd was the loudest that it has ever been in franchise history following Montgomery’s long touchdown run.
Montgomery’s performance powered the Eagles to an impressive 20-7 victory over the Cowboys. The win was especially notable as it secured Philadelphia’s first trip to the Super Bowl. While the Eagles lost to the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl 15, Montgomery’s touchdown run remains one of Philadelphia’s best moments.
2) The Philly Special (2018)
Following a dominant run, the Eagles found themselves in a Super Bowl matchup against the New England Patriots in 2018. With the clock winding down in the first half, the Eagles had the ball in the red zone with just 38 seconds remaining.
Philadelphia had a 15-12 lead over New England and could have easily settled for three points on fourth-and-goal. Instead, Eagles head coach Doug Pederson and quarterback Nick Foles collaborated on what would eventually be known as “The Philly Special.”
Foles walked over to Pederson and suggested that they call “Philly Philly,” a trick play that the team had previously practiced. Sure enough, Pederson approved the suggestion and the Eagles pulled off one of the greatest plays in the history of the NFL.
Philadelphia’s quarterback motioned outside and ended up hauling in a receiving touchdown to put the Eagles ahead by double digits at halftime in Super Bowl 52. While this might be the most memorable play from the big game, it wasn’t the best moment.
1) Brandon Graham’s Strip Sack on Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII (2018)
That honor belongs to Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham, thanks to his monumental strip-sack against Tom Brady late in the fourth quarter. Super Bowl 52 became a shootout, and it appeared Brady was going to pull off one of his patented comeback wins.
As the Patriots began marching down the field with nearly two minutes left in the fourth quarter, Brady dropped back to pass. Graham lined up as a defensive tackle on the play and quickly beat Shaq Mason to land a game-clinching sack on Brady.
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It was at this moment that Philadelphia’s first Super Bowl win became a reality. At first, it appeared as though the Patriots and Brady were going to deliver heartbreak as they so frequently had. Graham closed the door on that opportunity with his strip sack.
Reactions to this play from Eagles fans have gone viral, as it is recognized as one of the best moments in franchise history. I’ll place it at the top of the list due to the importance of the play, clinching that one — and for now, only — Super Bowl victory.
