Philadelphia Eagles: 15 greatest quarterbacks in franchise history
. QB. (1958-60). Norm Van Brocklin. 5. player. 54
The City of Philadelphia loves its football team no matter what. As long as guys play hard for the team, Eagles fans will always remain loyal whether they win or lose. When the organization is actually able to win though, those beloved players get so much more respect. Norm Van Brocklin is the perfect example of that.
Van Brocklin wasn’t in Philly for long, but his short stint created quite the lasting impact. His first nine seasons in the NFL were spent with the Los Angeles Rams. A player-coach relationship soon would turn sour, leaving the Rams with no choice but to trade Van Brocklin.
The Eagles took advantage of the situation and got their guy by trading away two linemen. Van Brocklin’s first two seasons under center in Philadelphia were rough, but his third and final year as the Eagles’ quarterback was memorable. When it was all said and done, Van Brocklin wrapped up his Eagles’ career with a record of 19-16-1. He threw for 7,497 yards and 55 touchdowns.
During his final NFL season in 1960, Van Brocklin helped Philadelphia maintain a record of 10-2, which was the league’s best. That season, Van Brocklin was a First-Team All-Pro and managed to help win an NFL Championship before retiring.
Not only was he a three-time Pro Bowler in three seasons with the Eagles, but he also ended up getting into the Pro Football Hall of Fame when it was all said and done. It’s unfortunate that Van Brocklin didn’t serve the Eagles throughout most of his prime, but his short time in Philly was truly memorable.