McNabb is Greatest Quarterback in Philadelphia Eagles History

With the Philadelphia Eagles in mini-camp this week, a lot has been discussed about the team's quarterbacks.

Who will emerge as the starter among Michael Vick, Nick Foles and rookie Matt Barkley.

But then another quarterback's name entered the picture. And while he's not fighting for a roster spot, he's gunning for a legacy in Philadelphia Eagles history.

Donovan McNabb announced this week his intentions to retire as a Philadelphia Eagle.

And the team is planning a ceremony that will enable McNabb to be honored with Coach Andy Reid and his new team the Kansas City Chiefs in town.

Ah, No. 5 and Big Red.

Those were the days... And don't you miss those days?

Maybe we took it for granted that McNabb put the Birds in playoff position every year.

How many quarterbacks got the Eagles to the Super Bowl? How many got them to the NFC Championship Game, let alone five.

Yes, the Philadelphia Eagles franchise should have several Super Bowl rings.

But it wasn't meant to be for Reid here, just like it wasn't for Coach Dick Vermeil and QB Ron Jaworski in 1980.

Now if Jaws is considered among Eagle QB greats along with all-athlete Randall Cunningham, how can anyone not rank McNabb above those two.

The record speaks for itself.

Maybe McNabb didn't always win over the fan base, but No. 5 got the job done.

He almost pulled off that Super Bowl upset against the New England Patriots. Unless you're the New York Giants, you don't have the number of Coach Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.

It was sad to see McNabb leave the team and play for the Washington Redskins and then the Minnesota Vikings. You hoped he'd find a little more magic, but his skills had eroded at that point.

Reid made the right call moving McNabb along.

But No. 5 put up numbers as an Eagle that might even earn him Hall of Fame credentials.

During his tenure, McNabb won four straight NFC East division championships, led them to five NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl.

He also ranks as the Eagles' all-time leader in career wins, pass attempts, pass completions, passing yards and passing touchdowns.

Those are records that may never be broken in Eagles history.

So let's give McNabb his just due. He's one of the greatest players in Philadelphia Eagles history and the team's greatest quarterback.