Best Former Eagles Star Not in Hall of Fame

Fans debate which Eagles legend deserves a spot in Canton

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:11pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, using sharp planes of midnight green, silver, and black to abstractly represent the action and energy of a Philadelphia Eagles football game.A cubist interpretation of the passion and legacy of Philadelphia Eagles football captures the team's enduring impact on its devoted fanbase.Canton Today

Readers are asked to name the best former Philadelphia Eagles player who has not yet been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The author provides a few of their own suggestions, including linebacker Seth Joyner, defensive end Clyde Simmons, and running back Ricky Watters, as well as runners-up Brian Westbrook and Darren Sproles for their all-purpose yardage records.

Why it matters

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the ultimate honor for NFL players, and Eagles fans are passionate about ensuring their team's all-time greats receive the recognition they deserve. This discussion taps into that fan sentiment and highlights the ongoing debate around which former Eagles stars have been unfairly overlooked for induction.

The details

The author sets some parameters for the discussion, asking readers to focus on former Eagles players who have been retired for at least 5 years and made their mark with the team, rather than players with limited time in Philadelphia. The author's own top picks for Canton include linebacker Seth Joyner, defensive end Clyde Simmons, and running back Ricky Watters, as well as running backs Brian Westbrook and Darren Sproles for their all-purpose yardage records.

  • The article was published on April 19, 2026.

The players

Seth Joyner

A linebacker who played for the Eagles from 1986 to 1993 and was a key part of their defense during that period.

Clyde Simmons

A defensive end who played for the Eagles from 1986 to 1993 and was known for his pass-rushing ability.

Ricky Watters

A running back who played for the Eagles from 1995 to 1997 and was a productive part of their offense.

Brian Westbrook

A running back who played for the Eagles from 2002 to 2009 and was known for his all-purpose yardage.

Darren Sproles

A running back who played for the Eagles from 2014 to 2017 and was also known for his all-purpose yardage.

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The takeaway

This discussion highlights the ongoing debate among Eagles fans about which of the team's all-time greats deserve induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, showcasing the passion and loyalty of the team's fanbase.