25 Eagles who have appeared in the most games with the franchise
Every summer, training camp brings both nostalgia and the excitement that comes with another NFL season. The 2022-2023 campaign was the 90th in Philadelphia Eagles history. It didn't end how we wanted, but make no mistake about it. We bore witness to a special group of Birds.
As time goes on, we'll be introduced to more of them. Think about it. Somewhere, right now, there's a kid hanging out in the park and running around in his backyard with a football, and he has dreams of becoming a member of one of the most storied organizations in pro football's history.
The Eagles have won three NFL Championships (1948, 1949, 1960), and since the AFL/NFL merger, they have appeared in four Super Bowls, adding a Vince Lombardi Trophy to the shelf in February of 2018. They couldn't have done it without the help of some extraordinary players.
Here's a look at the 25 longest-tenured Eagles in franchise history.
The NFL promises nothing. There is roster turnover every year. Guys sometimes play for years and never play in the postseason, but the men on this list have carved out their lanes as franchise legends.
We combed the history books and found 25 extraordinary Birds. They lay claim to having appeared in more regular-season games than anyone to have ever donned kelly or midnight green. Many have made their mark on the postseason as well, but that's another story for another day.
1. Brandon Graham, 204 games, 106 starts (2010 to present)
It's not how you start, it's how you finish. Brandon Graham erased the doubt that surrounded his name and is now a franchise legend and Super Bowl hero. He has also appeared in 11 Eagles postseason games.
2. Jason Kelce, 193 games, 193 starts (2011 to 2023)
When the Eagles' Mount Rushmore is carved, Jason Kelce's face will probably be positioned right next to Brian Dawkins. They're without question the two most beloved and revered Birds of all time.
3. Fletcher Cox, 188 games, 182 starts (2012 to 2023)
Fletcher Cox's place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is certain. Time passes, the former Mississippi State Bulldog keeps rolling, and he continues to add to a very enviable resume.
4. David Akers, 188 games as an Eagle (1998 - 2010)
David Akers is an Eagle through and through. Perhaps we're biased, but we place him on our list of the toughest kickers who have ever walked the planet.
5. Brian Dawkins, 183 games, 182 starts (1996 - 2008)
Say Brian Dawkins' name, and people drift into memories of Michael Vick getting knocked out and Number 20 crawling out of the tunnel like a 'Wolverine'. He's one of the most beloved Eagles of all time.
6. Harold Carmichael, 180 games, 160 starts (1971 - 1984)
From his days as an HBCU star to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, you won't find many resumes that rival the one Harold Carmichael crafted during his football life.
7. Brent Celek, 175 games, 132 games (2007 - 2017)
Brent Celek played the game the way it was supposed to be played for 11 NFL seasons. All were played in an Eagles jersey, and it ended with a win in Super Bowl LII.
8. Chuck Bednarik 169 games, 166 starts (1949 - 1962)
They don't call him 'Concrete Charlie' for nothing. Chuck Bednarik worked as a constructon worker during the NFL's offseason. He's an Eagles legend, and he's the only Bird to play on both the 1949 and 1960 NFL Championship teams.
9. Tra Thomas, 166 games, 165 starts (1998 - 2008)
Tra Thomas earned Second-team All-Pro honors in 2002. He's also a three-time Pro Bowler who is a member of both the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame and the 75th Anniversary Team.
10. Randy Logan, 159 games, 154 starts (1973 - 1983)
Randy Logan is one of those guys that we simply don't mention enough. He appeared in 159 regular-season games. He appeared in seven postseason games and tallied 23 interceptions in 11 seasons. All were played in an Eagles jersey.
Rounding out the top 25 are the following franchise legends:
11. Guy Morriss, 158 games
12. Jon Dorenbos, 157 games
13. Jerry Sisemore, 156 games
14. Trent Cole, 155 games
15. Ken Clarke, 148 games
16. Donovan McNabb, 148 games
17. Jason Peters, 148 games
18. Bobby Walston, 148 games
19. Jon Runyan, 144 games
20. Ron Jaworski, 142 games
21. William Thomas, 140 games
22. Wes Hopkins, 137 games
23. Andre Waters, 137 games
24. Herman Edwards, 135 games
25. Bucko Kilroy, 134 games
How's that for setting a standard? Records are made to be broken. As stated earlier, somewhere, right now, there's a kid running around in an Eagles jersey with a dream. If he somehow winds up on the Eagles roster and he cracks this list, he will have earned it. You guys keep showing up every summer toward the end of July. New Eagles legends in the making are born every year.