A second-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, former Eagles defensive end Vinny Curry climbed his way up the ranks during his career.
After getting acclimated to the team and defense in his rookie year, Curry posted 20 tackles and four sacks in 14 games in Year 2.
The following year, he posted what would remain a career-high nine sacks and 12 solo tackles (16 total).
In his sixth year in the league, Curry helped propel the Eagles' defense to the franchise's first-ever Super Bowl victory, tallying four tackles in the game. During the championship run, Curry became responsible for breaking down huddles before the game with the saying, "We all we got. We all we need," which became a mantra of the team. It was a moment that Curry will remember forever.
"When that clock hit zero and the confetti came down, it was something that you think about and when the game comes on NFL Network and I'm sitting here with my 7-year-old son (Noah) and we're watching it, it's like man, what a feeling that was," Curry said. "Everybody had one goal – the goal was to win a championship and I think all egos were checked at the door. We leaned on one another and it just brought us that much closer together. It was a special group of men, special group of coaches, and it was a special year.
"That had to go down as one of the best parades in championship history. If there was a trophy for that, I think the City of Philadelphia would have won that."
The Neptune, New Jersey, native fulfilled his dream by playing for the Eagles for eight total years.
"It meant everything to me, grew up as an Eagles fan and to put that Midnight Green on and to actually win a Super Bowl in the Midnight Green meant the world to me," Curry said.
After six seasons in Philadelphia, Curry departed for a brief one-year stint in Tampa Bay, before returning to the Eagles for two more seasons in 2019 and 2020. Curry played his final season with the Jets in 2022.
Curry was a leader of the defense during his time, bringing an uncanny energy and passion to the city each and every day. Curry would often break down the huddle and give a pregame speech, spreading the fire he had to his teammates before each game.
In eight seasons in Philadelphia, Curry registered 222 QB pressures, 204 tackles, 35.5 tackles for loss, 30.0 sacks (19th in franchise history), five forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 111 games played.
On Thursday, he retires in the place where it all began – as a Philadelphia Eagle.
"To be able to play 11 years in the NFL is amazing and to get ready to retire as an Eagle is crazy," Curry said. He will be the Honorary Captain for Thursday's game.
– Written by Liam Wichser
Relive the best moments from the 180 regular-season and postseason matchups between Philadelphia and Washington ahead of Thursday night's clash for first place in the NFC East.
A.J. Brown somehow made this ridiculous one-handed TD grab in the Week 8 win over the Washington Commanders to help secure the season sweep.
Jake Elliott's 54-yard field goal in overtime won the game for the Eagles, a 34-31 win over the Commanders.
A.J. Brown hauled in nine catches for 175 yards and two touchdowns in a Week 4 win over Washington.
Haason Reddick record his first sack of the 2023 season against the Commanders.
D'Andre Swift continues his hot start to the season with a rushing touchdown in a home win against Washington.
A.J. Brown catches his first touchdown as an Eagle against the Commanders!
A.J. Brown celebrates his first touchdown as an Eagle!
DeVonta Smith hauls in a career high 169 receiving yards against the Commanders last season.
Spectacular catch after spectacular catch for DeVonta Smith in Washington.
Greg Ward catches the game-winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter against Washington in 2019.
Nigel Bradham's fumble return touchdown in the final seconds sealed the Week 15 victory over Washington.
DeSean Jackson returns to Philadelphia for the 2019 home opener against Washington.
DeSean Jackson caught two touchdowns in his return to the Eagles.
DeSean Jackson celebrates one of two touchdowns in the Eagles 2019 Week 1 victory over Washington.
Nick Foles' 25 consecutive completions against Washington in 2018 tied an NFL record.
Nate Sudfeld throws his first career touchdown pass in 2018 Week 17 against Washington.
Mack Hollins hauls in his first career touchdown grab in a 2017 win over Washington.
Hollins and his teammates pulled out a baseball celebration after the receiver scored a 64-yard touchdown against Washington.
Did Mack make contact?
Fletcher Cox's fumble return touchdown sealed the victory for the Eagles in Washington.
Cox celebrates the Week 1 win in 2017!
Chris Polk goes the distance against Washington with a 102-yard kickoff return touchdown.
Chris Polk celebrates his kickoff return score en route to a 37-34 2014 victory over Washington.
Trent Cole started Week 1 in 2013 off with a bang, recording a safety that gave the Eagles the lead for good.
Eagles players celebrate Trent Cole's safety in a 33-27 victory in Washington.
Led by Michael Vick's six total touchdowns, the Birds rolled over Washington 59-28 in Washington.
DeSean Jackson celebrates his 88-yard touchdown that got the scoring started just 18 seconds in to the 2010 Week 10 battle with Washington.
Michael Vick had 413 total scrimmage yards in the Eagles 2010 victory in Washington.
DeSean Jackson ran for a caught a touchdown against Washington in a 2009 Week 7 victory.
Brian Westbrook scores three touchdowns against Washington in 2007, including two late in the fourth quarter to give the Eagles the win.
Brian Westbrook was the man of the hour after the Eagles defeated Washington 33-25 in 2007.
A late David Akers field goal gave the Birds a three-point victory over Washington in 2000.
Akers made three field goals, including two in the fourth quarter during the team's 23-20 win in Week 13.
Charlie Garner rushes for three touchdowns in the Eagles three-point OT victory over Washington in 1995.
