Few players in Philadelphia Eagles history are as beloved as LeSean McCoy. The franchise’s all-time leading rusher, McCoy left a lasting impact on the Eagles’ legacy, and even after retiring, his love for the team remains strong. Recently, the former Pro Bowl running back shared his list of top Eagles legends, sparking debate and nostalgia among fans.
Who made the cut? Which Eagles greats does Shady McCoy consider the best of the best? Let’s break down his picks and why they belong among the all-time greats in franchise history.
LeSean McCoy’s Top Eagles Legends
1. Brian Dawkins – The Ultimate Leader
🏆 Position: Safety
🏆 Years with Eagles: 1996-2008
🏆 Hall of Fame Induction: 2018
McCoy wasted no time naming Brian Dawkins as one of his top Eagles legends. A nine-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer, Dawkins was the heartbeat of the Eagles’ defense for over a decade.
- Known for his hard-hitting tackles and unmatched intensity, Dawkins set the tone for the Eagles’ defense.
- His leadership and passion made him a fan favorite, earning him the nickname “Weapon X.”
- Helped lead the Eagles to multiple NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl appearance in 2004.
McCoy called Dawkins “the ultimate Eagle”, praising his incredible work ethic and leadership.
2. Donovan McNabb – The Franchise Quarterback
🏆 Position: Quarterback
🏆 Years with Eagles: 1999-2009
🏆 Career Passing Yards (Eagles): 32,873
McCoy believes Donovan McNabb deserves a top spot for his elite play and consistency as the Eagles’ franchise quarterback during the 2000s.
- Led the Eagles to five NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl appearance in 2004.
- Holds numerous Eagles passing records, including most passing yards and touchdowns.
- Was the face of the franchise for over a decade, bringing stability and success to Philadelphia.
While McNabb’s career was sometimes controversial, there’s no denying that he helped shape the Eagles into a perennial contender.
3. Reggie White – The Minister of Defense
🏆 Position: Defensive End
🏆 Years with Eagles: 1985-1992
🏆 Hall of Fame Induction: 2006
McCoy paid tribute to Reggie White, calling him one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history. White’s impact on the Eagles’ defense during the late 1980s was unmatched.
- Recorded 124 sacks in just 121 games with the Eagles.
- Won NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1987) and was a seven-time Pro Bowler in Philadelphia.
- His ability to completely take over games made him one of the most feared pass-rushers ever.
White later won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers, but his legacy in Philadelphia remains legendary.
4. LeSean McCoy – The Eagles’ Rushing King
🏆 Position: Running Back
🏆 Years with Eagles: 2009-2014
🏆 All-Time Leading Rusher: 6,792 yards
Humbly, McCoy also included himself on the list, and for good reason—he is the greatest running back in Eagles history.
- Set the Eagles’ all-time rushing record, surpassing Wilbert Montgomery.
- Won the NFL rushing title in 2013 with 1,607 yards.
- Known for his elite agility, vision, and ability to make defenders miss.
McCoy was a game-changing player during his time in Philadelphia, and his legacy as an Eagles great is undeniable.
5. Jason Peters – The Anchor of the Offensive Line
🏆 Position: Offensive Tackle
🏆 Years with Eagles: 2009-2020
🏆 Pro Bowl Selections: 9
McCoy made sure to recognize the big men up front, naming Jason Peters as one of the Eagles’ all-time greats.
- A dominant left tackle who protected Eagles quarterbacks for over a decade.
- Played a huge role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII championship season.
- Widely regarded as one of the best offensive linemen of his generation.
Peters’ longevity, dominance, and leadership make him a deserving inclusion on any Eagles legends list.
Honorable Mentions
McCoy also gave a shoutout to several other Eagles greats, recognizing their impact on the franchise:
🔹 Harold Carmichael – Legendary wide receiver and Hall of Famer.
🔹 Wilbert Montgomery – A running back who set the foundation for Eagles’ rushing success.
🔹 Nick Foles – The Super Bowl LII MVP who delivered the franchise’s first championship.
🔹 Fletcher Cox – One of the greatest defensive linemen in Eagles history.
While these players just missed the cut, they are still considered icons of the Eagles franchise.
Final Thoughts: McCoy’s List Sparks Debate
LeSean McCoy’s top Eagles legends list includes some of the greatest players in franchise history, but as with any ranking, fans have different opinions.
Some believe Nick Foles should have been included, given his Super Bowl heroics. Others argue that Randall Cunningham, Wilbert Montgomery, or Brian Westbrook deserved a spot.
Regardless of the debate, one thing is clear: Philadelphia has produced some of the greatest players in NFL history, and McCoy’s list pays tribute to the best of the best.
