Established
1933
City
Philadelphia
League History
1933 - Present / National Football League
Team History
1933 - Present / Philadelphia Eagles
Nickname
Eagles - The Philadelphia Eagles are one of the most beloved teams in the NFL and have a long history since 1933. The team has had many nicknames, but none is more iconic than “The Birds.” But how did this nickname come to be?
Philadelphia Eagles Origin
It all started when Bert Bell, who was then owner of the newly formed franchise, wanted something unique for his team name. He decided on "Eagles" as it represented courage and strength - qualities he believed would be necessary for his new team. The original logo featured an eagle perched atop a football with broad–open wings, further reinforcing their connection with these majestic birds of prey!
But why did they become known as ‘the birds’? After several years in operation, people began referring to them simply as 'the birds.' This may have been due to fans wanting something catchy or because it was easier than saying 'Philadelphia Eagles' every time! Whatever the reason, this nickname stuck over time and eventually became synonymous with Philadelphia's beloved football team AND their mascot Swoop (who also happens to look like an eagle).
So there you have it – now you know how one of America's favorite sports franchises got its famous nickname: The Birds! Whether cheering on your hometown heroes at Lincoln Financial Field or watching from afar, always show your support by shouting those two magical words: Go EAGLES!!
Championship
Super Bowl 2
2024, 2017
NFL Championships 3
1960, 1949, 1948
Stadium
2003 - Present / Lincoln Financial Field
1971 - 2002 / Veterans Stadium
1940, 1942 - 1957 / Connie Mack Stadium
1940 - 1953 / Shibe Park
1936 - 1939, 1941 / Philadelphia Municipal Stadium
1933 - 1935 / Baker Bowl
Owner
1994 - Present / Jeffrey Lurie
1986 - 1994 / Norman Braman
1985 / Norman Braman and Ed Leibowitz
1969 - 1985 / Leonard Tose
1963 - 1969 / Jerry Wolman
1946 - 1963 / Alexis Thompson
1940 - 1946 / Bell and Alexis Thompson
1933 - 1940 / Bert Bell and Lud Wray
- 1933
- 1940
- 1943
- 1971
- 1994
- 2003
- 2017
- 2024
-
Philadelphia Eagles Team Formation
In exchange for an entry fee of $2,500, the Bell Wray group was awarded the assets of the failed Yellow Jackets organization. Drawing inspiration from the insignia of the centerpiece of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, the National Recovery Act, Bell and Wray named the new franchise the Philadelphia Eagles. Neither the Eagles nor the NFL officially regards the ... -
Bell/Rooney and Thompson Swapped Franchises
The 1940s would prove a tumultuous and ultimately triumphant decade for the young club. In 1940, the team moved from Philadelphia Municipal Stadium to Shibe Park. Lud Wray’s half-interest in the team was purchased by Art Rooney, who had just sold the Pittsburgh Steelers to Alexis Thompson. Soon thereafter, Bell/Rooney and Thompson swapped franchises, but not teams. Bell/Rooney’s entire Eagles’ ... -
Merge of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh – Steagles
After assuming ownership, Thompson promptly hired Greasy Neale as the team’s head coach. In its first years under Neale, the team continued to struggle. In 1943, when manpower shortages stemming from World War II made it impossible to fill the roster, the team temporarily merged with the Steelers to form a team popularly known as the “Steagles.” The merger, never ... -
Veterans Stadium Opens for the Eagles
In 1971, the Eagles moved from Franklin Field to brand new Veterans Stadium. In its first season, the “Vet” was widely acclaimed as a triumph of ultra-modern sports engineering, a consensus that would be short-lived. Veterans Stadium (informally called “The Vet”) was a multi-purpose stadium located at the northeast corner of Broad Street and Pattison Avenue, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as ... -
Jeffrey Lurie Purchase
Five months later, Smith agreed to let his nephew buy the Eagles. Lurie contacted Norman Braman, then-owner of the Eagles. Lurie bought the Philadelphia Eagles on May 6, 1994, from Braman for $195 million. Lurie and his mother, Nancy Lurie Marks of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts Philip Smith’s only daughter borrowed an estimated $190 million from the Bank of Boston to ... -
Lincoln Financial Field
Lincoln Financial Field is the home stadium of the National Football League’s Philadelphia Eagles and the Temple Owls football team of Temple University. It has a seating capacity of 69,176. It is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and South Darien streets, also alongside I-95 as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. Many locals refer to ... -
Super Bowl LII Winner 2017
Super Bowl LII was the 52nd Super Bowl and the 48th modern-era National Football League (NFL) championship game to determine a champion for the 2017 season. The National Football Conference (NFC) champion Philadelphia Eagles defeated the American Football Conference (AFC) champion and defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, 41–33, to win their first Super Bowl, and denied the Patriots a record-tying sixth Super Bowl win; the loss tied the Patriots with the ... -
Multiple Super Bowls Champions
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) East division. The Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday won their franchise’s second Super Bowl championship, putting an end to the Kansas City Chiefs’ dream of a three-peat with a dominant and complete performance on both sides ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Philadelphia Eagles History
The Philadelphia Eagles history stretches back to 1933, making them one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises. For nearly a century, they have given fans unforgettable moments and legendary players. From early championships to Hall of Fame careers, Philadelphia Eagles football has built a proud legacy that continues to inspire.
One of the first major highlights in the Philadelphia Eagles history came in 1981. The team, led by quarterback Ron Jaworski, reached Super Bowl XV against the Oakland Raiders. Although they fell short, the appearance proved the Eagles could compete on the biggest stage. During this era, stars like Reggie White, Jerome Brown, and Mike Quick became cornerstones of Philadelphia Eagles football and later earned recognition as some of the NFL’s best.
The early 2000s were another memorable era in Philadelphia Eagles history. With Donovan McNabb at quarterback, the Eagles advanced to four straight NFC Championship games. They won the 2004 NFC title but narrowly lost Super Bowl XXXIX to the New England Patriots. Players like Brian Dawkins, known as “Weapon X,” and Brian Westbrook also became icons of Philadelphia Eagles football, giving the team a fierce identity during this period.
Philadelphia Eagles Achievements
Modern success defines the latest chapter of Philadelphia Eagles history. Under head coach Doug Pederson, the team captured its first Super Bowl title in 2017. In a dramatic 41–33 victory over Tom Brady’s Patriots, Nick Foles delivered an MVP performance, including the famous “Philly Special.” This achievement secured the Eagles’ place in NFL history and brought long-awaited glory to Philadelphia fans.
Today, Philadelphia Eagles football continues to thrive with a passionate fan base and a roster filled with talent. From their 1948, 1949, and 1960 NFL Championships to the unforgettable 2017 Super Bowl win, the Philadelphia Eagles history proves the team’s resilience and greatness. With future seasons ahead, fans remain hopeful for more championships to add to this proud tradition.
Sports Fan Products
Check Out the Philadelphia Eagles Complete Team History
Attention all Eagles sports fans! Are you looking to brush up on your team's history? Look no further! Check out the Philadelphia Eagles' complete team history.
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Retired Number
5 / Donovan McNabb
15 / Steve Van Buren
20 / Brian Dawkins
40 / Tom Brookshier
44 / Pete Retzlaff
60 / Chuck Bednarik
70 / Al Wistert
92 / Reggie White
99 / Jerome Brown
*Blue is this team’s history
