Recognized as two of the most productive pass rushers in franchise history, Trent Cole (2005-14) and Hugh Douglas (1998-2002, 2004) will be inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame on Sunday, November 27, 2022, when the Eagles host the Green Bay Packers at 8:20 PM. The official announcement was made during a special halftime ceremony this evening as part of the Eagles Legends Homecoming Game in which many of the franchise's greats returned to celebrate their time with the Eagles.
The former defensive standouts both rank among the top six in career sacks for the Eagles, with Cole having registered 85.5 quarterback takedowns (second all time) during his 10-year career and Douglas notching 54.5 (sixth all time) during his six seasons with the team. During their respective eras, the Eagles combined for nine playoff appearances, six division titles, four NFC Championship appearances, and a berth in Super Bowl XXXIX.
"Trent and Hugh were both high impact pass rushers and consummate teammates," said Jeffrey Lurie, Philadelphia Eagles Chairman and CEO. "When we traded for Hugh, we knew we were getting a player who would immediately make our football team better. He was a tremendous leader on a defense that helped guide us to many deep postseason runs. Upon Hugh's retirement, we were fortunate to acquire another talented edge rusher through the draft. Trent was a dynamic and durable player who provided us with an advantage on defense thanks to his endless motor, selfless style of play, and passion for the game. It will be an honor to officially enshrine them both in the Eagles Hall of Fame this season."
Known by fans as "The Hunter," Cole was drafted by the Eagles in the fifth round (146th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft and went on to enjoy a 10-year career in Philadelphia. Aside from ranking second in team history with 85.5 career sacks, the two-time Pro Bowler compiled double-digit sacks in four separate seasons, which also ranks second in team history behind Reggie White (eight double-digit sack seasons). His 155 games played in an Eagles uniform is third all-time among defensive linemen and 14th among all players in franchise history.
A first-round draft pick (16th overall) of the New York Jets in 1995, Douglas was acquired by Philadelphia in a trade during the 1998 offseason. As a member of the Eagles, he earned three consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl (2000-02) and a first-team All-Pro nod (2000). Douglas totaled three seasons with double-digit sacks, including a career-best 15 quarterback takedowns in 2000. After playing elsewhere in 2003, he returned to Philadelphia for his final NFL season in 2004, where he helped lead the team to Super Bowl XXXIX.
Off the field, Cole's lifelong passion for the outdoors and hunting has led to many new business ventures in his post-football career. He is the long-time host of Blitz TV, a competitive fisherman, and the co-founder of ProVantage Business & Sports Solutions. Cole and his wife, Paige, have three children, Teigan, Sutton, and TJC III.
Douglas is currently one half of The Morning Show with John & Hugh on Atlanta's 92.9 The Game and has spent time with ESPN, 94WIP, and FOX29 during his post-football broadcasting career.
