The clock is ticking, Eagles fans.
On April 30th, the NFL Draft will kick off from Chicago, as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces the latest class of NFL talent. To make sure that you're all set for when the Eagles are on the clock for the first time, we're counting down each day with look at each number from 100-1 and the significance that the number holds in Eagles history.
Without further ado, let's continue the countdown …
With the 69th overall pick in the 1969 NFL Draft, the Eagles selected Bill Bradley out of the University of Texas. Bradley would fit right in with the Eagles current roster and coaching staff, as he was known for his versatility. Not only did the three-time Pro Bowl selection become the first player to lead the NFL in interceptions in consecutive seasons (1971-72), but he also handed punting duties for the Eagles for six of his eight seasons.
Tied for the franchise lead in career interceptions (34), Bradley was enshrined in the Eagles Hall of Fame in 1993.
First Eagle To Wear No. 69: G Dave diFilippo (1941)
Current Eagle Wearing No. 69: G Evan Mathis (2011-present)
Jon Runyan
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Arguably the best free agent signing in Eagles history, Jon Runyan signed a contract to play in Philadelphia after a four-year stint with the Oilers/Titans. From 2000-2008, Runyan was a constant presence on the Eagles offensive line, playing all 16 regular season games in each and every single season in midnight green. Runyan's 144 consecutive starts ranks him fourth on the franchise list for consecutive games played and fifth on the list of most games played by an Eagles offensive lineman.
While Donovan McNabb, Brian Dawkins and Andy Reid are the names most associated with the Eagles success of the 2000s (and rightfully so), it's important to remember that Runyan was a pivotal piece of the Eagles offense as well for most of the decade. He may be remember most for his epic showdowns with New York's Michael Strahan, but Runyan had his fair share of battles in the trenches with a number of opponents.
After his playing days were over, Runyan entered the world of politics, representing New Jersey on the United States Congress from 2010-2015. Runyan has since announced that he will not run for re-election, so perhaps a future in coaching awaits.
