The Philadelphia Eagles were known for their potent running attack throughout the season. Furthermore, Philadelphia set the franchise rushing record for most yards in single-season this past year. There have been a lot of great Eagles running backs throughout the years such as Brian Westbrook and Duce Staley. In more recent history, LeSean McCoy made a name for himself in an Eagles Uniform, as he broke records in Philadelphia. This article will look at the career of LeSean McCoy while he was playing in Philadelphia.
How LeSean McCoy got to the NFL
Before going into his career with the Eagles, it would be best to start off with how he got to the NFL. McCoy played college football for the Pitt Panthers during the 2007 and 2008 seasons. He might have had the most impressive rookie season ever in 2008. The Pitt running back ran for over 1,300 yards and scored 14 touchdowns. He ranked first in the Big East in terms of rushing touchdowns that year. Furthermore, McCoy also ranked first in points that year with 126.
McCoy followed up that rookie season with an even more impressive sophomore season in 2008. He had 1, 488 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. He ranked 8th in the NCAA in rushing yards and 2nd in the Big East. It’s safe to say that college was a breeze for LeSean McCoy and that was only the beginning of a stunning football career.
His Skills on the Football field
McCoy was drafted in the second round with 53rd overall pick by the Eagles in the 2009 NFL Draft. This turned out to be one of the best decisions the Eagles made in that draft. McCoy was known for being fast but could break the ankles of defenders with his insane juking ability. Not to mention the vision a guy must have to do all of that must be incredible. McCoy could do it on the ground, but he could get yardage through the air. The Eagles used him in the short passing game as McCoy could get most of yardage running. Â He was an all-around great running back in every category.
Career with the Eagles
During his first season in Philadelphia McCoy made an impact right away as a backup running back. He only started two games in 2009. He had 637 rushing yards and four touchdowns that season. Not to mention he had 308 yards receiving. After his rookie season, he had two 1,000-yard rushing seasons in a row in 2010 and 2011. In 2010, he had over 500 receiving yards with his 1,000-yard rushing season. Â He had a combined 24 rushing touchdowns during those two years, with most of them coming in 2011. He had 17 touchdowns that year as a rusher, which was first in the NFL.
Fast forward to 2013, McCoy had his best season in the NFL. He had over 1,600 rushing yards as he was the leading rusher in the NFL that season. He averaged 100.4 yards per game that year, which again was the best in the NFL. If that’s not eye popping enough, he was also first in the NFL in all-purpose yards, as he had well over 500 receiving yards that year as well. McCoy would then play his final year in Philadelphia in 2014. He again had over 1,000 yards that year and accumulated five rushing touchdowns. That year concluded the legendary career that LeSean McCoy had with the Eagles.
Career after the Eagles and Conclusion
After the 2014 season, McCoy would be traded to the Buffalo Bills. He would spend four years with the Bills as had two more 1,000-yard rushing seasons with them. He would then bounce around a couple times as he spent one year with the Chiefs in 2019, and he also spent a year with Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2020. Recently on September 30th, 2021, McCoy announced his retirement from the NFL. He signed a one-day contract with the Eagles so he could retire with team that gave him his start, but more importantly the team where he had his best years. McCoy will likely go into the NFL Hall of Fame one day, as he solidified himself as both an Eagles great and an NFL great. This Concludes this Philadelphia Eagles Legends Spotlight on LeSean McCoy.
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