Yesterday the Philadelphia Eagles recognized two former defensive standouts. During half time of the first preseason game (against the New York Jets), owner Jeffrey Lurie announced two new inductees into the Eagles’ Hall of Fame — Trent Cole and Hugh Douglas. The ceremony was part of the Eagles Legends Homecoming Game that celebrated many of the franchise’s greatest players.
Both Cole and Douglas will officially be inducted on November 27 before their game against the Green Bay Packers.
EAGLES HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Trent Cole was a fifth-round selection in the 2005 NFL Draft, playing ten seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. He is a two-time Pro Bowler and ranked second all-time with 85.5 sacks. Four of his seasons included double-digit sacks and though he went on to play for the Colts, Cole retired as an Eagle in 2017.
Hugh Douglas began his NFL career with the Jets in 1995, and eventually joined the Eagles in 1998. His first stint with Philadelphia lasted five seasons. He joined them again in 2004. Douglas finished his Eagles’ career with 54.5 sacks — three seasons ending in double-digits. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in three consecutive seasons.
“Trent and Hugh were both high impact pass rushes and consummate teammates,” Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie stated. “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 guise us to many deep postseason runs.”
Lurie continued, “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.”
During each of their respective runs, the Eagles had nine playoff appearances, six division titles, four NFC Championship appearances, and one Super Bowl run.
Last season, the Eagles inducted Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan into the Hall of Fame.
