As we prepare for Once and For All Week on 94WIP later this month, here is a look at some of the most debated Eagles of all time:
Michael Vick: Plenty of Eagles' players have been debated, but not many have been protested against or become a national story like Vick was when he joined the team in 2009. The Eagles decision to bring in Vick after he spent two years in jail for his role in a dog-fighting ring lead some fans to promising they would never root for the team again. Vick's introductory press conference was carried by national news outlets and created debate about much more than just football. Ultimately, Vick won over a good portion of the fanbase with his exciting play on the field in 2010, and briefly becoming the team's franchise quarterback.
Carson Wentz: It is hard to remember an athlete in the history of the city that created as much conversation as Wentz has in so little time. Wentz has only been in the city for four seasons, but already he has been involved in not one, not two, but three quarterback controversies — 2017 with Nick Foles, 2018 with Foles again and now 2020 with Jalen Hurts. Despite an amazing 2017 season, and a strong end to 2019, there is still a portion of the fanbase that doesn't believe in the Eagles' $128 million quarterback. That has lead to Wentz becoming the daily topic of conversation in Philly, and it is hard to see that ending anytime soon.
Alshon Jeffery: Jeffery's time with the Eagles has certainly not been boring. The Eagles decision to sign Jeffery prior to the 2017 season was met with some pushback, considering it was just a one-year deal and Jeffery was coming off of a season where he was suspended four games for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances. Jeffery quickly turned into a key member of the Super Bowl team, and was especially great in the playoffs, which put to rest any debate about whether bringing him in was a good decision. Since then, Jeffery has signed a long-term extension and twice been accused of bashing quarterback Carson Wentz through anonymous quotes in the media. Jeffery's rollercoaster ride in an Eagles' uniform has been fun to watch and certainly caused plenty of debate.
DeSean Jackson and LeSean McCoy: Jackson and McCoy seem to always been linked together, and for good reason — they represent an era of Eagles' football that was extremely exciting and ended in controversy. There is an argument to be made that Jackson is one of the best receivers in Eagles' history. McCoy, the franchise's all-time leading rusher, likely holds the crown as the Eagles' best running back ever. Despite their amazing on-the-field accomplishments, both found themselves in their own fair-share of off-the-field drama as well. Former Eagles head coach Chip Kelly's decision to release Jackson, and then trade McCoy, will always be remembered as one of the most controversial and debated moments in the history of the franchise. Now, Jackson is back — and McCoy might not be far behind.
Terrell Owens: The mention of T.O.'s name still creates plenty of emotion among Eagles' fans. Some believe he was the best receiver to ever put on an Eagles uniform, nearly brought the team their first Super Bowl and then was treated poorly by the front office. Others believe he was selfish to create the distractions he did about his desire for a new contract, and his antics cost the Eagles another chance at the title in 2005. One thing that isn't up for debate — Owens always kept things interesting.
Donovan McNabb: There isn't much debate that McNabb is the most accomplished quarterback in the history of the franchise. That is about the only thing that isn't debated when it comes to McNabb, however, who has been a lighting rod ever since he was booed as the No. 2 pick. From the NFC Championship Game losses, to his feud with Terrell Owens, to the speculation on whether he threw up in the Super Bowl, the mere mention of McNabb's name will always cause a debate in Philadelphia. Even now, as he chimes in on the career of Carson Wentz, McNabb still finds his ways into almost any debate that has to do with the Eagles.
Randall Cunningham: Cunningham was an exciting player and played for one of the most beloved head coaches in the history of the franchise, Buddy Ryan. His highlight plays and rocket arm, however, resulted in just one playoff win in seven seasons with the Eagles. The debate around Cunningham centered around whether the Eagles could win with him at quarterback.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
