At halftime of tonight's home matchup against the division rival Dallas Cowboys, the Eagles franchise will honor two of its greatest all-time defensive leaders, cornerback Eric Allen and late defensive coordinator Jim Johnson.
Allen was a member of the great 1991 Eagles defense that became only the fifth defense in history to rank first in the NFL in total yards allowed, total rushing yards allowed and total passing yards permitted. A second-round pick out of Arizona State, he played with the Eagles from 1988-94, recording 34 interceptions, tied for most in Eagles history with Bill Bradley and Brian Dawkins; he also holds the team record for interceptions returned for touchdowns, with five.
The three-time All Pro selection and five-time Pro Bowl selection is proud of this prestigious honor, noting that the ceremony has added importance because it is taking place during an Eagles-Cowboys game.
"I was so excited when I was told about my induction," said Allen. "Then, when I found out the ceremony would be during the Dallas home game, I was thrilled. There is such a great history between the Cowboys and Eagles, so coming back to Philly this week is even more special."
Jim Johnson served as the team's defensive coordinator from 1999 until his death in 2009. He was considered to be one of the NFL's most innovative and successful defensive masterminds. From 2000-2008, Johnson's units ranked second in the NFL in sacks (390), 3rd down efficiency (34.0%) and red zone touchdown percentage (43.9%), and fourth in fewest points allowed (17.7 per game). During his 10-year stay in Philadelphia, the Eagles earned seven playoff berths, five trips to the NFC Championship game and one Super Bowl appearance (following the 2004 season).
Johnson's wife Vicki, who will accept the honor in place of her late husband, knows how much this would have meant to Jim.
"This is an awesome night," she said. "Jim would have been so proud. This is a great night for our family."
Eagles' owner Jeffrey Lurie spoke glowingly about the contributions that both men made to the Eagles organization, and about the way that they touched the lives of those around them.
"This is a special night for us all," said Lurie. "The Eagles Honor Roll is a place where we pay tribute to exceptional individuals who earned a way into our hearts and into our history. The people on this historic list are the unforgettable ones."
The two men will be inducted into the Philadelphia Eagles Honor Roll, joining 33 other members: C/LB Chuck Bednarik, owner Bert Bell, LB Bill Bergey, S Bill Bradley, DB Tom Brookshier, T Bob Brown, DT Jerome Brown, RB Timmy Brown, WR Harold Carmichael, QB Randall Cunningham, head trainer Otho Davis, executive Jim Gallagher, E Bill Hewitt, QB Ron Jaworski, QB Sonny Jurgensen, HB Ollie Matson, WR Tommy McDonald, RB Wilbert Montgomery, head coach Earl "Greasy" Neale, E Pete Pihos, WR Mike Quick, E Pete Retzlaff, C Jim Ringo, T Jerry Sisemore, QB Norm Van Brocklin, HB Steve Van Buren, head coach Dick Vermeil, T Stan Walters, DE Reggie White, T Al Wistert, C Alex Wojciechowicz, and the 1948 and 1949 NFL Championship Teams.
Allen and Johnson have a place in both the hearts of the fans and in the hearts of those who had the pleasure of working alongside them. Tune in to PhiladelphiaEagles.com at halftime of tonight's game for coverage of the ceremonies live from Lincoln Financial Field.
You can watch the induction ceremony live on PhiladelphiaEagles.com.
