Top 5 Quarterbacks in Philadelphia Eagles History (Ranked)

The Philadelphia Eagles have not traditionally been known for their quarterback play, unlike, for example, the Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers. Still, this franchise has had some tremendously underrated leaders under center.

The City of Brotherly Love has embraced and criticized their quarterbacks throughout the decades as Philadelphia came so close several times to its first Super Bowl throughout the 20th century.

Now, looking back, the quarterback position has been occupied by two Hall of Famers and two Super Bowl MVPs for a franchise that has been among the NFL‘s best over the past decade.

Still, it’s important to acknowledge the legends of the past who built the foundation and cemented themselves in beloved Philly lore. Nick Foles is one of those players who barely missed the cut on this list, but is immortalized in this city for his Super Bowl LII MVP performance.

Anyways, while paying our respects to Foles and Hall of Famer Sonny Jurgensen, GIVMESPORT presents our list of the top 5 quarterbacks in Philadelphia Eagles history.

5

Ron Jaworski

Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Before his accomplished career as an NFL analyst, Ron Jaworski was a very good starting quarterback throughout the 1970s and ’80s.

“Jaws” played 17 years in the league, starting his career as a backup for the Los Angeles Rams. In 1977, the Lackawanna, New York native was traded to the Eagles, and was a catalyst behind a successful spell for the franchise.

Jaworski’s best season came in 1980, when he led Philadelphia to a 12-4 record and its first-ever Super Bowl appearance. The Eagles lost to the Oakland Raiders that year.

Jaworski played six more seasons with the Eagles and shortly after was inducted into the franchise’s Hall of Fame in 1992.

4

Jalen Hurts

There’s a very good chance Jalen Hurts moves up this list very soon. The 26-year-old has been an overachiever throughout his entire career due to his relentless work ethic, tremendous leadership, and high football IQ.

It’s not a coincidence that, ever since the Houston, Texas native has taken over under center, the Eagles have made four straight playoff appearances.

During that span, Philadelphia has additionally won two NFC East titles, made it to the Super Bowl twice, and is now the defending champs after a dominant victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Hurts already has two Pro Bowl appearances, an All-Pro selection, and a Super Bowl MVP to his name. He is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and there’s a solid chance the best is yet to come.

3

Norm Van Brocklin

Credit: David Boss-USA TODAY Sports

Norm Van Brocklin was an underrated quarterback from the past who achieved unprecedented success as the Eagles starting quarterback. It is important to note that the nine-time Pro Bowler racked up a significant number of accolades with the Los Angeles Rams.

However, Van Brocklin needed only three years in the City of Brotherly Love to make three Pro Bowls, pick up one All-Pro selection, win an MVP, and lead Philadelphia to an NFL Championship.

He then retired after the 1960 championship season to become the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. Van Brocklin has a bust in Canton and has been inducted into both the Rams and Eagles Hall of Fame for his achievements.

2

Randall Cunningham

Randall Cunningham was a revolutionary quarterback who changed the way the league viewed dual-threat quarterbacks.

A second-round pick out of UNLV, Cunningham had to wait two seasons in Philadelphia because he became the full-time starter, but immediately showed his talents under center in 1987.

Randall led the Eagles to five playoff appearances, making three Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams with the organization.

He was also named NFL MVP by Pro Football Writers of America for his 1990 season, in which he threw for 30 touchdowns while rushing for almost 1,000 yards. Cunningham will always be a true Philly legend.

1

Donovan McNabb

Donovan McNabb is the greatest quarterback in Philadelphia Eagles history. He may not have reached the heights of some of his predecessors individually, but the former Syracuse standout was the face of a phenomenally successful stretch for this franchise.

McNabb led the Eagles to five NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl appearance in 2005 during his eleven years in Philly, turning the organization back into a consistent winner.

To this day, he still holds numerous team records, including career completions, passing yards, passing touchdowns, and wins. Hurts may at some point pass him should he continue this trajectory, but McNabb has a firm hold on the top spot for now.