Philadelphia Eagles News

Countdown To The Draft: 44 Days

Mar 17, 2015 at 01:00 AM

The clock is ticking, Eagles fans.

On April 30th, the NFL Draft will kick off from Chicago, as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces the latest class of NFL talent. To make sure that you're all set for when the Eagles are on the clock for the first time, we're counting down each day with look at each number from 100-1 and the significance that the number holds in Eagles history.

Without further ado, let's continue the countdown…

Both of the Eagles wide receivers from the 2014 NFL Draft proved their big play capabilities during their rookie campaigns. Both Jordan Matthews and Josh Huff had season-long catches of 44 yards. Huff's 44-yarder came against Dallas in Week 15, while Matthews' came in the regular season finale against New York.

First Eagle To Wear No. 44: FB Franklin Emmons (1940)

Last Eagle To Wear No. 44: TE Pete Retzlaff (1956-66)

TE Pete Retzlaff (1956-66)

According to Ray Didinger in the New Eagles Encyclopedia, Pete Retzlaff is "the greatest bargain in Eagles history".

The Eagles claimed Retzlaff off waivers from Detroit for the price of $100 dollars, and the tight end went on to play 11 seasons withe the team, earning Pro Bowl honors five times and helping the Eagles win the 1960 NFL Championship.

When Retzlaff retired, he held Eagles franchise records in receptions (452), yards (7,412) and single-season receptions (66) and yards(1,190). Widely considered the greatest tight end in Eagles history, Retzlaff's No. 44 will never be worn by a Philadelphia Eagle, as it can now be found hanging high in the Lincoln Financial Field rafters with the rest of the Eagles' retired numbers.

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