Philadelphia’s offensive line has always been the city’s heartbeat. Jason Kelce’s primal screams and Lane Johnson’s silent dominance felt like a Springsteen anthem—raw, relentless, and unmistakably Philly. They haven't just been linemen; they have been the soul of a team that thrived under the city’s unforgiving glare. Now, their legacy just hit a crescendo.
ESPN unveiled its NFL All-Quarter Century Team (2000–2025), and Kelce and Johnson landed spots alongside icons like Tom Brady and Aaron Donald. They’re part of an elite 53-man roster curated by analysts Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder, who prioritized "peak seasons" and advanced metrics like DYAR (Defense-Adjusted Yards Above Replacement). For Kelce, it’s a historic capstone.
Six All-Pro nods—the most by any center since 2000—and a Super Bowl ring. Johnson, meanwhile, boasts five All-Pro selections and the NFL’s best pressure rate (1.1%) among tackles with 4,500+ pass-blocking snaps.
Philly’s Gridiron Royalty
The Eagles’ presence on the list stretches beyond the O-line. Safety Brian Dawkins—"Wolverine"—earned his place with 29 forced fumbles and 25 interceptions since 2000. His hits weren’t just tackles; they were seismic events. Terrell Owens, though briefly in Philly, delivered a legendary 2004.
1,200 yards, 14 touchdowns, and a Super Bowl performance on a broken leg. Even Julio Jones, despite his single Eagles season, made the cut with five All-Pro honors and unmatched peak production.
Eagles on the All-Quarter Century Team
|
Player |
Position |
Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
|
Jason Kelce |
Center |
6× All-Pro, Super Bowl MVP, 193 career starts |
|
Lane Johnson |
Right Tackle |
5× All-Pro, 2× Super Bowl champ, 1.1% pressure rate |
|
Brian Dawkins |
Safety |
9× Pro Bowl, HOF, 29 forced fumbles |
|
Terrell Owens |
Wide Receiver |
5× All-Pro, 14 TDs in 2004 season |
|
Julio Jones |
Wide Receiver |
5× All-Pro, 13,703 career receiving yards |
The Kelce Effect: A Legacy Cemented
Kelce’s impact transcends stats. His 156 consecutive starts anchored an offense that revolutionized short-yardage plays with the "Tush Push." As ESPN’s Walder noted, Kelce’s All-Pro dominance—three straight in his final seasons—separated him from every center in the era. He didn’t just play; he defined the position.
Johnson: The Ageless Anchor
At 35, Johnson isn’t just holding on—he’s peaking. "I feel like even though I'm 35, I feel better than I was when I started (or when I was) 29 or 30," he admitted. In 2024, he allowed just 2.6% pressure and zero sacks, cementing his case as arguably the greatest right tackle ever. Offensive line guru Brandon Thorn agrees: "We should start having the conversation about Lane being the best RT of all time."
For Philly, this honor is a testament to a decade of dominance in the trenches. Kelce and Johnson didn’t just block defenders; they built a culture. Kelce once roared at Johnson during a Walter Payton Award speech.
"When I think of a man, I think of somebody who weathers the ups and downs in life, how you move forward. You're doing better than I've ever seen."
In a city that cherishes grit over glamour, these Eagles didn’t just join legends—they became them.
