LeSean McCoy Signs One-Day Contract To Retire As A Philadelphia Eagle
Rain, snow or sunshine — none could stop running back LeSean McCoy in his prime.
The longtime Philly running back announced his retirement on Thursday after signing a one-day contract to call it a career with the Eagles. During a 12-year career, McCoy earned six Pro Bowl nods and two First-Team All-Pro honors. "Shady" McCoy retires 22nd on the all-time NFL rushing list with 11,102 yards.
The veteran running back was a fan-favorite in Philadelphia due to his elusive change of direction and dual-threat ability that inspired a modern era of running backs — keeping up with league elites like Arian Foster and Jamaal Charles in his day. McCoy was a dependable pass-catcher out of the backfield: accruing 518 receptions and 3,898 receiving yards during his career.
McCoy was sent to the Buffalo Bills as part of a trade deal with Philadelphia in 2015 that exchanged linebacker Kiko Alonso for the veteran running back. Still seen as a top-tier running back, McCoy signed a five-year, $40 million extension with the Bills — which lasted until 2019 when he was cut by the team.
After leaving Philadelphia as their all-time leading rusher (6,792 yards), and adding two Pro Bowls to his resume during his time in Buffalo, McCoy was inserted as more of a locker room veteran in his final two seasons in the league. In a stroke of luck for Shady, those final two years were with the 2019 Kansas City Chiefs — reuniting with former Eagles coach Andy Reid — and the 2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both teams went on to win the Super Bowl, making McCoy a two-time champ before deciding to hang up his cleats for good.
McCoy will be honored as part of Sunday's Eagles vs. Chiefs matchup. Eagles owner Jeff Lurie joined the announcement made Thursday, via the team's official website, and spoke on McCoy's lasting legacy with the franchise:
LeSean possessed a unique combination of speed, elusiveness, and an exceptional playmaking ability that made him one of the most dynamic players in the league, and one of the most productive players in the history of our franchise. LeSean carried himself with a rare blend of confidence and youthful enthusiasm, but he also was driven by a desire to be one of the all-time greats at the running back position, and that's what made him such an exciting player to be around and watch every week. He provided so many memorable plays and performances over the course of his career. We are honored to share in this special day with LeSean and look forward to recognizing him as the Eagles Legend of the Game on Sunday.
Follow along on Twitter: @AlejandroAveela