Two Eagles legends advocate for franchise to retire Brandon Brooks’ number

Although his time in Philadelphia wasn’t long, Brandon Brooks has had a lasting impact on the Eagles and the city. Former Eagles guard Todd Herremans took to Twitter to praise Brooks after his retirement Wednesday morning. Herremans clamored for the Eagles to retire 79, which he and Brooks wore with the franchise.
During his ten seasons with the Eagles, Herremans was a staple of their offensive line alongside former left tackle Jason Peters. Two years after Herremans was let go by Philadelphia, they brought in Brandon Brooks from the Houston Texans. Brooks wasted no time, being named to three-straight Pro Bowls and helping them win Super Bowl 52.
Shortly after he tweeted about retiring 79, Brian Westbrook chimed in, agreeing that they should hang the number from the rafters. Herremans blocked for Westbrook for the majority of his career, with Westbrook being selected to two Pro-Bowls and a 1st team All-Pro in 2007.
Although it’s a nice sentiment, it’s highly doubtful the Eagles will retire 79. Philadelphia has only retired nine numbers over their 88-year history, such as Reggie White, Jerome Brown, and Donovan McNabb.
However, they do have five unofficially retired numbers, including LeSean McCoy, Nick Foles, and Brent Celek. Although Herremans and Brooks were great for the Eagles and adored by fans, they weren’t on the same level as these three.
Right now, the only players who will likely be considered to have their jersey retired officially or unofficially by the team when they hang them up are Jason Kelce and maybe Fletcher Cox. I would only say these two because of their individual success alongside their long tenure with the franchise.
While they might not have their numbers honored, I wouldn’t count out an Eagles’ Hall of Fame nomination for Brooks or Herremans in the near future.
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