The 1960s: The Norman Braman Era begins
Braman arrived in '85; Joe Thomas ruled the 60s.
Confusion often surrounds this era: the title 'The Norman Braman Era' is a historical misnomer for the 1960s. Braman did not purchase the franchise until 1985, acquiring it from Jerry Wolman. The 1960s were instead defined by the transition from Bert Bell's estate to Joe Thomas (who bought in 1963) and Jack Kent Cooke's brief involvement. It was a decade that began with the high of the NFL Championship but descended into the long, lean years that shaped the resilience of Eagles fandom.
- Actual Owner in 1960s
- Joe Thomas
- Norman Braman Acquisition Year
- 1985
- 1960 Season Result
- NFL Champions
- Head Coach (1960)
- Nick Skorich
- Key Player (1960)
- Chuck Bednarik
Lore & Background
The 1960s started with the electric glow of the 1960 NFL Championship but quickly dimmed into a prolonged struggle for relevance. As the legendary 'Two-Way' era faded, icons like Chuck Bednarik retired in 1962, leaving a void that new ownership struggled to fill. Joe Thomas took control in 1963, overseeing a franchise that began planning its move from Franklin Field toward Veterans Stadium by decade's end. Despite stability off the field, the team navigated a difficult landscape of mediocrity that would define the Eagles until the late 1970s.
In Their Own Story
The wind whipping off the Schuylkill River cut through the concrete stands at Franklin Field in December 1960. Chuck Bednarik, the last true two-way giant, taped his wrists with the weight of history on his shoulders before facing Green Bay. In the locker room, talk wasn't about future owners or Norman Braman; it was fixed on Buck Shaw's game plan and the sheer will to hold off the Packers. It was a moment frozen in amber—the franchise's last championship for 57 years, marking the end of an era where immediate triumph was possible.
Reader's Guide
The 1960s serve as the emotional foundation for modern Eagles loyalty. Bookended by the 1960 title and the planning for Veterans Stadium, this decade established a culture of patience that fans still reference today. The ownership transition to Joe Thomas in 1963 brought stability but could not stop the on-field slide following Bednarik's retirement. Understanding this gap between championships is essential; it highlights the depth of the struggle before the modern era, making the eventual resurgence all the more poignant for those who endured the lean years.
Did You Know?
- Norman Braman purchased the Eagles in 1985, ending a 20-year gap since Joe Thomas bought the team in 1963.
- The 1960 NFL Championship remains the franchise's last title until Super Bowl LII (2018), a 57-year drought.
- Chuck Bednarik played his final season in 1962, marking the definitive end of two-way players in the NFL.
- The Eagles' move from Franklin Field to Veterans Stadium was planned during the late 1960s, though the team didn't play there until 1971.