7 Greatest Philadelphia Eagles players of the 21st century
By Adam Patrick
2. Donovan McNabb – QB
Entering his second season in the NFL in 2000, Donovan McNabb was looking to prove his doubters wrong as the Eagles starting quarterback. Philadelphia’s fans booed McNabb after the team drafted him in 1999, but those boos quickly turned to cheers once he led the franchise back to the playoffs in just his second year with the team.
He went on to lead the Eagles to the playoffs in his first five years as the team’s starting quarterback. During that time, McNabb and Philadelphia appeared in a total of four NFC Championships and one Super Bowl.
In addition to helping the Eagles achieve success in the playoffs from 2000 to 2004, he was also voted to the Pro Bowl in each of those five seasons. McNabb earned a total of six trips to the Pro Bowl during his career with the team and no other Philadelphia quarterback has ever been voted to more than three Pro Bowls.
McNabb’s best year with the Eagles easily came in 2004 when he threw for 3,875 yards, 31 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions. He also ran for 220 yards and three more scores that season too.
After 11 years in Philadelphia, McNabb is currently the franchise’s all-time leader in career passing yards and career passing touchdowns. The Eagles showed their appreciation for his contributions by retiring his No. 5 in 2013.