LeBron James returned to Cleveland as a member of the Miami Heat. Brett Favre went back to Lambeau dressed in purple as a Minnesota Viking. Anakin Skywalker went on to become Darth Vader and even Gotham District Attorney Harvey Dent became the villainous Two-Face.
Yes, returning as the enemy is a common theme in the worlds of both sports and cinema, and Eagles fans will see a new scene play out this Sunday when DeSean Jackson returns wearing a Washington uniform. But Jackson isn't the first former Eagle to come back wearing different colors, and he won't be the last. Some of the other most notable returns to the Eagles' nest include:
2013: Andy Reid Returns As Coach Of The Chiefs
On a brisk Thursday night in South Philadelphia, the winningest coach in Eagles history made his return. In 14 years with the Eagles, Reid won a franchise record 140 games (including postseason). The Eagles took home the NFC East crown seven times under Reid and appeared in five conference championship games. But on this night in 2013, Reid led the Kansas City Chiefs to a 26-16 win over the Eagles.
2010: Mr. McNabb Comes Back With Washington
Just as Reid was a staple of the Eagles for more than a decade on the sidelines, Donovan McNabb was the face of the Eagles' franchise. The Eagles selected McNabb with the second pick of the 1999 NFL Draft, and the quarterback lived up to his selection throughout his 11 years in Philadelphia. McNabb holds virtually every career passing record in Eagles history and led the Eagles to Super Bowl XXXIX, their first trip to the title game since the end of the 1980 season. In 2010, McNabb played his first game back at Lincoln Financial Field with Washington, winning the game 17-12 while throwing for 125 yards and a touchdown.
2009: Brian Dawkins' Emotional Return To Philadelphia
In 13 seasons with the Eagles, safety Brian Dawkins reached the Pro Bowl six times. He was without a doubt the emotional leader of the Eagles' defense and was, and still remains, adored by Eagles fans. After signing with the Denver Broncos, Dawkins made his return to Philadelphia in Week 16 of the 2009 season, performing his patented "Wolverine" pre-game introduction dance. Eagles fans cheered on Weapon-X, re-living some of his best moments with the franchise. In 2012, Dawkins returned again, only this time to have his No. 20 retired by Eagles and hung in the Lincoln Financial Field rafters.
2006: Lito Sheppard Spoils T.O.'s Return
Terrell Owens' time with the Eagles was brief, yet successful. In 2004, Owens racked up 1,200 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns before suffering an ankle injury late in the season. Despite that injury, Owens returned to the field in the Super Bowl, hauling in nine catches for 122 yards. But by 2006, Owens had become public enemy No. 1 with Eagles fans, returning as a Dallas Cowboy. Owens had just three catches for 45 yards in his Week 5 return, a 38-24 Eagles victory that was capped off by a Lito Sheppard 102-yard interception return touchdown in the closing seconds with the game on the line.
1997: The Greatest Defensive End Lines Up In A Different Green
The late Reggie White was one of the most dominant defensive players in franchise history. White was the anchor of the Gang Green defense in 1991. White recorded 124.0 sacks in his eight seasons with the Eagles, but in 1997 he returned to Veterans Stadium as a Green Bay Packer. White recorded one sack in the Week 2 matchup, but the Eagles came away with the 10-9 victory.
