Philadelphia Eagles Finalize Plans to Honor 1960 Championship

Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie today announced that the Eagles will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1960 NFL championship team during their home opener on Sept. 12, 2010 against the Green Bay Packers.  

The festivities will include a number of different commemorative events to celebrate the rich history of the franchise. 
The announcement, held at the site of the game, Franklin Field, was made by Lurie along with Eagles president Joe Banner and Eagles 1960 alum Pete Retzlaff, who joined the voice of the Eagles, Merrill Reese,  and 1960 the voice of the Eagles, Bill Campbell, in remembering the game. 

The event was also highlighted by appearances from Eagles 1960 alumni Tommy McDonald, Chuck Bednarik, Dick Lucas, Riley Gunnels, and Maxie Baughan, as well as current Eagles tight end Brent Celek, wide receiver DeSean Jackson, linebacker Stewart Bradley, and Eagles head coach Andy Reid. 

“We are excited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1960 team. This celebration marks a very important event in Philadelphia Eagles history. In the past few months, we have had the pleasure of working with an advisory committee of volunteers, many who actually attended the game at Franklin Field 50 years ago,” said Lurie. 

He added, “This milestone in Eagles history will be commemorated with the authentic kelly green uniforms from 1960, as well as a number of different events planned to make sure this extraordinary group of men are lauded for their efforts. Remembering this accomplishment and these players is important not only for the team, but for our fans whose passion for the Philadelphia Eagles spans many generations.” 

After losing the season opener against Cleveland, the 1960 Eagles rattled off nine straight wins, tying the longest streak in team history and securing their fourth Eastern Division title. 

On Dec. 26, 1960, Hall of Famers Norm Van Brocklin, Tommy McDonald, and Chuck Bednarik led the Eagles to their third NFL championship after mounting a come-from-behind, 17-13 victory over Green Bay at Franklin Field. This victory handed Vince Lombardi’s Packers their only playoff loss under his tenure.

NOTE: Jeff Lurie quotes courtesy of Philadelphia Eagles Communications.

Philadelphia Eagles To Honor Their Last NFL Championship

In 1960 the Philadelphia Eagles capped a 10-2 season by beating the Green Bay Packers 17-13 in the NFL Title game. It wasn’t the last NFL Championship game the Eagles played in (Super Bowls XV and XXXIX), but it was the last Championship won by the franchise.

There has been some talk here in Philadelphia this offseason that the current Eagles ownership should consider honoring the 50th Anniversary of that 1960 NFL Championship by actually playing their September 12 season opener against the Green Bay Packers at Franklin Field.

As novel as the idea sounds, it would be a logistical nightmare. For one there is a great deal of infrastructure work taking place near Franklin Field with one of the main entry roads to the stadium currently closed.

There is also the question of what do with all those Eagles fans and big businesses that own or rent luxury suites at Philadelphia’s current stadium, Lincoln Financial Field.  

Luxury suites simply do not translate to the 115-year venue located on the University of Pennsylvania campus. Not to mention that Lincoln Financial Field currently seats 68,532 Franklin Field 60,658. 

I would love the idea, but again it just does not seem like a realistic option. What will probably happen is that the two teams will commemorate the the anniversary by playing their 2010 season opener in their respective 1960 throw back uniforms, of course not much of a commemoration for Green Bay.   

With that said, the Eagles have scheduled a press event for Monday, May 3. Team owner Jeffrey Lurie and general manager Joe Banner will lead the ceremony, which begins at 10:30 a.m. at Franklin Field. Others attending will be former players from the 1960 title team, Chuck Bednarik, Dick Lucas, and Maxie Baughan, as well as current players DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek, and Stewart Bradley. 

The event has been tabbed as “Philadelphia Eagles Unveil Plans to Honor 50th." I, for one, am very interested in seeing exactly what the Eagles have in planned.