Donovan McNabb Announces He Will Retire As A Philadelphia Eagle

Jan 29, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Former NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb watches the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers at the Target Center. The Lakers defeated the Timberwolves 106-101. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Donovan McNabb, who spent 95% of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, announced he will retire in September, as a Philadelphia Eagle.

He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1st round of the 1999 draft, #2 overall and was swarmed with nothing but boos. But later on won the fans over, as he helped the Eagles reach the post season 8 (4 consecutive NFC East titles – ’01 to ’04) times in 10 seasons with this team. In 8 of this playoff runs, the Philadelphia Eagles lead by the once boo’d Donovan McNabb, reached the NFC Championship game 5 times, reaching the Super Bowl in 2004-2005 season where they lost to the New England Patriots 24-21.

"“There was never any animosity from the Philly fans. I have nothing but love for the Philly fans, even the ones who were highly criticizing me or opinionated in any way. I can’t get upset at them because my job is to get out on the field and be productive. That’s what quarterbacking is all about. ” – McNabb on the Fans of the Philadelphia Eagles."

While with the Eagles, McNabb has made 6 pro bowl appearances and won the NFC Offensive Player and NFC Player of the Year honors, making the Philadelphia Eagles 75th Anniversary Team. His most memorable play, other than his 14 second scramble away from the Dallas Cowboys defense on Sunday Night Football where he bombed to Freddie Mitchell who caught it, has to be the play that is now titled “4th and 26”. A play that I will remember for the rest of my life.

I was rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles at the time because of course, the Chicago Bears didn’t make it to the playoffs, but the Green Bay Packers did and that is who the Eagles happened to be playing. Coming down to the final minutes of the game, them going for it, I was positive they wouldn’t have converted to get themselves fresh downs, but I was wrong. My entire house hold was going against the Packers that night (it is only right), so I’m pretty sure the entire block heard us erupt into cheers and applauds as McNabb and the Eagles offense picked up what they needed to eventually win in overtime.

McNabb is the all-time leader in career wins, pass attempts, pass completions, passing yards and passing touchdowns for the Philadelphia Eagles. As he moved on from the Eagles as he was traded to the Washington Redskins in 2010 and the Minnesota Vikings, who became the final team he actually played for in 2011, things went down hill for McNabb as he struggled.

He finished the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins with 3,337 passing yards, 14 passing touchdowns and 15 interceptions and only 1,026 passing yards, 4 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in his final season of his career, with the Minnesota Vikings before being benched.

McNabb told NBC Sports Radio that the Eagles suggested September 19th as a potential date for his retirement ceremony. A game in Week 3, where Andy Reid, a man who drafted Donovan McNabb, will return to Lincoln Financial Field as the new head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. I wonder what kind of ovation these two will receive from the fans of Philadelphia on that night?

His career stats as of 2011, are 234 touchdowns, 117 interceptions, 37, 276 passing yards, 616 rushing attempts for 3,459 yards and 29 rushing touchdowns.