Ron Jaworski
Ronald Vincent Jaworski (born March 23, 1951), nicknamed "Jaws," is a former American football quarterback who played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1977 to 1986. He took the Eagles to their first Super Bowl appearance and became a beloved figure in Philadelphia before moving into broadcasting and business.
Playing Career
Early Career
The Los Angeles Rams drafted Jaworski in 1973. Four seasons later, they traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1977.
Philadelphia Eagles
Once he got to the Eagles, Jaworski became the starting quarterback and the face of a team building something special under head coach Dick Vermeil.
1980 Season:
- Led Eagles to 12-4 regular season record
- NFC Championship victory over Dallas Cowboys
- Super Bowl XV appearance against Oakland Raiders
- Pro Bowl selection
- Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year runner-up
That 1980 Eagles team captured Philadelphia's imagination in a way few teams ever do. The NFC Championship victory over the hated Cowboys remains one of the most celebrated moments in franchise history.
Super Bowl XV
January 25, 1981. Jaworski and the Eagles faced the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XV. The outcome wasn't what they'd hoped for. The Eagles lost 27-10, a painful result on the biggest stage. Still, that season marked the franchise's first Super Bowl appearance and stood as the high point for the Eagles until the 2018 championship.
Career Statistics
- 16 NFL seasons (10 with Eagles)
- Eagles franchise records at time of retirement
- Started 116 consecutive regular season games (iron man streak)
Broadcasting Career
Jaworski hung up his cleats in 1989, but he wasn't leaving football. He moved directly into sports broadcasting:
- ESPN NFL analyst (1990–2017)
- Known for detailed film study and quarterback analysis
- Hosted "NFL Matchup" program
- Published "The Games That Changed the Game" book
His technical knowledge was genuinely impressive. More than that, though, he brought real enthusiasm to the work. That combination made him a respected voice in football media.
Business Ventures
The Philadelphia region became his business playground over the years. He owns several golf courses in New Jersey, operates hospitality businesses, and remains involved in Philadelphia-area charitable work. It's kept him busy even outside the broadcast booth.
Philadelphia Legacy
Never won that Super Bowl. That's the thing that sticks with people. But Jaworski remains beloved in Philadelphia anyway, and for good reason. He led the franchise through a crucial growth period and embodied the blue-collar, never-quit attitude the city values. He's stayed in the Philadelphia media market all these years, staying connected to the fans who remember him. The Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame inducted him into their ranks.
His partnership with head coach Dick Vermeil and teammates like Harold Carmichael, Wilbert Montgomery, and Bill Bergey created lasting memories for Eagles fans who waited decades for another championship opportunity.