Inside the Philadelphia Eagles ahead of their NFL London return

The Philadelphia Eagles are heading back across the Atlantic, with one of the NFL’s most recognisable franchises set to face the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday 11th October 2026.

For British NFL fans, the fixture offers a rare opportunity to see a franchise with more than 90 years of history, five league championships and a roster containing some of the biggest names in the sport. Philadelphia have also been regular contenders throughout the modern era, reaching three Super Bowls since the beginning of the 2017 season and winning two of them.

From Steve Van Buren and Chuck Bednarik to Reggie White, Brian Dawkins and Donovan McNabb, some of the NFL’s most celebrated players have worn Eagles colours. The current generation, led by Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, has added another successful chapter to that history.

Ahead of their NFL London return, here is a closer look at the story of the Philadelphia Eagles, their recent seasons and the players supporters can look out for in North London.

More than 90 years of Philadelphia Eagles history

The Philadelphia Eagles were established in 1933 and took their name from the eagle featured on the emblem of the National Recovery Administration.

Success did not arrive immediately, but the Eagles developed into one of the NFL’s leading teams during the 1940s. Under Head Coach Greasy Neale and inspired by legendary running back Steve Van Buren, Philadelphia won consecutive NFL Championships in 1948 and 1949.

Those victories remain unique. Philadelphia are the only NFL team to have recorded successive shutouts in championship games, beating the Chicago Cardinals 7-0 before defeating the Los Angeles Rams 14-0 the following year.

A third championship arrived in 1960, when the Eagles defeated Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers 17-13. Chuck Bednarik, one of the greatest players in franchise history, played both centre and linebacker and made a crucial tackle on the final play to secure the victory.

Philadelphia would have to wait another 20 years to reach the NFL’s biggest game. Dick Vermeil led the Eagles to Super Bowl XV following the 1980 season, although they were beaten by the Oakland Raiders.

The following decades produced several players who became synonymous with the franchise. Reggie White recorded 124 sacks in just 121 games for Philadelphia, while safety Brian Dawkins became one of the defining defensive players of his generation. Quarterbacks Randall Cunningham and Donovan McNabb also helped shape different eras of Eagles football.

The Eagles become regular NFL contenders

The appointment of Andy Reid in 1999 began another prolonged period of success.

With McNabb at quarterback, Philadelphia reached five NFC Championship Games and won five division titles. The Eagles eventually reached Super Bowl XXXIX following the 2004 season, where they were narrowly defeated by the New England Patriots. McNabb remains the franchise leader in passing yards and passing touchdowns.

Philadelphia finally secured their first Super Bowl victory in February 2018.

The Eagles entered Super Bowl LII against a Patriots side attempting to win a third championship in four seasons. Backup quarterback Nick Foles instead produced one of the defining performances in Eagles history, helping Philadelphia secure a 41-33 victory.

The famous “Philly Special” trick play became one of the most memorable moments in Super Bowl history and the result ended the franchise’s long wait for a Lombardi Trophy.

It would not be their last.

Philadelphia’s recent Super Bowl era

The current era of Eagles football has been built around Head Coach Nick Sirianni, quarterback Jalen Hurts and General Manager Howie Roseman.

Philadelphia reached Super Bowl LVII following the 2022 season, where they were beaten 38-35 by the Kansas City Chiefs in an absorbing contest. Hurts nevertheless established himself among the NFL’s leading quarterbacks during that campaign.

The following season provided a sharp contrast. Philadelphia started 2023 with a 10-1 record before losing five of their final six regular-season games. Their campaign ended with a 32-9 Wild Card defeat against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Saquon Barkley arrived from the New York Giants ahead of the 2024 season and produced 2,005 regular-season rushing yards, becoming only the ninth player in NFL history to pass 2,000 in a season. His performances helped propel Philadelphia back through the NFC playoffs and into another meeting with Kansas City in Super Bowl LIX.

This time, there was little doubt about the outcome.

Philadelphia beat the Chiefs 40-22 to claim their second Super Bowl, with Hurts named Super Bowl MVP after throwing for 221 yards and two touchdowns while adding another 72 yards on the ground.

The Eagles retained the NFC East title with an 11-6 record in 2025, but their attempt to defend the championship ended with a 23-19 Wild Card defeat against the San Francisco 49ers.

They have started 2026 with victories against the Washington Commanders and Tennessee Titans before suffering their first defeat of the campaign, losing 27-7 to the Chicago Bears on Monday night. Philadelphia therefore head into Week Four with a 2-1 record.

Jalen Hurts leads the Eagles offence

Jalen Hurts has become the central figure of this Eagles generation.

Selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Hurts developed from a quarterback facing questions over whether he would become Philadelphia’s long-term starter into a two-time Super Bowl quarterback and Super Bowl MVP.

His ability to threaten opponents through the air and on the ground gives the Eagles an additional dimension offensively, particularly close to the goal line.

Hurts will be one of the headline names when Philadelphia arrive in London.

Saquon Barkley remains one of the NFL’s biggest stars

Few running backs in recent NFL history have been capable of producing highlights quite like Saquon Barkley.

His extraordinary first season in Philadelphia included 2,005 regular-season rushing yards and the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. Barkley combines explosive speed with strength and an ability to turn seemingly routine carries into major gains.

His presence alongside Hurts gives Philadelphia two dangerous rushing threats for opposing defences to account for on almost every play.

DeVonta Smith takes a leading role

The Eagles’ receiving group has changed significantly following the departure of A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots during the 2026 offseason.

That has placed greater responsibility on DeVonta Smith, who enters the season as Philadelphia’s established number one receiver. The former Heisman Trophy winner surpassed 1,000 receiving yards during the 2025 season and remains one of the Eagles’ leading downfield threats.

His route running and ability to produce difficult catches make Smith another player capable of providing a major moment in London.

Philadelphia’s young defensive stars

There is plenty to watch on the other side of the ball as well.

Defensive tackle Jalen Carter has developed into one of the leading players on the Eagles’ defensive line, while cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean form part of an exciting young secondary.

Both Mitchell and DeJean played important roles in Philadelphia’s Super Bowl-winning 2024 campaign, with DeJean memorably returning an interception for a touchdown against Kansas City in Super Bowl LIX.

Together with players including Jordan Davis, Nolan Smith Jr. and Zack Baun, they give the Eagles considerable talent across their defence.

The Eagles return to London

Philadelphia’s meeting with Jacksonville will be only their second regular-season appearance in London.

Their first also came against the Jaguars, when more than 85,000 supporters watched the Eagles secure a 24-18 victory at Wembley Stadium in October 2018. Carson Wentz threw three touchdown passes as the reigning Super Bowl champions recorded their first international regular-season win.

Eight years later, the two franchises meet again, this time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Eagles and Jaguars will kick off at 2:30pm BST on Sunday 11th October, with the fixture forming part of the 2026 NFL London Games.

For UK supporters, Philadelphia bring an unusual combination to London. They are a franchise with roots stretching back to the early years of professional American football, but many of their most important chapters have been written within the past decade.

With Super Bowl winners, established NFL stars and one of the league’s most passionate fanbases heading across the Atlantic, their return provides another major occasion in the history of the NFL London Games.

Philadelphia Eagles v Jacksonville Jaguars hospitality with Eventmasters

Experience the Philadelphia Eagles’ return to the UK with NFL London hospitality at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium through Eventmasters.

The Eagles face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday 11th October 2026, giving supporters the opportunity to watch Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith and some of the NFL’s biggest names live in North London.

Enquire with Eventmasters to explore our Philadelphia Eagles v Jacksonville Jaguars hospitality packages and enjoy the NFL London experience in premium surroundings.

FAQs

When are the Philadelphia Eagles playing in London?

The Philadelphia Eagles face the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday 11th October 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 2:30pm BST.

Have the Philadelphia Eagles played in London before?

Yes. Philadelphia made their first regular-season appearance in London in October 2018, beating the Jacksonville Jaguars 24-18 at Wembley Stadium.

How many Super Bowls have the Philadelphia Eagles won?

The Eagles have won two Super Bowls. They defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII and the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. Philadelphia also won three NFL Championships before the Super Bowl era, in 1948, 1949 and 1960.

Who are the Philadelphia Eagles’ star players?

Quarterback Jalen Hurts, running back Saquon Barkley and wide receiver DeVonta Smith are among Philadelphia’s leading offensive players, while Jalen Carter, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean are among the notable names on defence.

Can I watch Philadelphia Eagles v Jacksonville Jaguars with hospitality?

Yes. Eventmasters offers hospitality for Philadelphia Eagles v Jacksonville Jaguars at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Supporters can enquire with Eventmasters for further information about the hospitality options available for the 2026 NFL London fixture.