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 led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl appearance and became a beloved figure in Philadelphia, later transitioning into broadcasting and business.
Playing Career
[edit | edit source]Early Career
[edit | edit source]Jaworski was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1973. After four seasons with the Rams, he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1977.
Philadelphia Eagles
[edit | edit source]With the Eagles, Jaworski became the starting quarterback and the face of a team on the rise 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
The 1980 Eagles captured the imagination of Philadelphia fans, and the NFC Championship victory over the hated Cowboys remains one of the most celebrated moments in franchise history.
Super Bowl XV
[edit | edit source]On January 25, 1981, Jaworski and the Eagles faced the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XV. Despite high hopes, the Eagles lost 27-10. The defeat was painful, but the season represented the Eagles' first Super Bowl appearance and a high point for the franchise until the 2018 championship.
Career Statistics
[edit | edit source]- 16 NFL seasons (10 with Eagles)
- Eagles franchise records at time of retirement
- Started 116 consecutive regular season games (iron man streak)
Broadcasting Career
[edit | edit source]After retiring from playing in 1989, Jaworski transitioned to 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 and enthusiasm made him a respected voice in football media.
Business Ventures
[edit | edit source]Jaworski has been an active businessman in the Philadelphia region:
- Owns several golf courses in New Jersey
- Operates hospitality businesses
- Remains involved in Philadelphia-area charitable work
Philadelphia Legacy
[edit | edit source]Despite not winning a Super Bowl, Jaworski remains beloved in Philadelphia:
- Led the franchise through a crucial growth period
- Embodied the blue-collar, never-quit attitude of the city
- Has remained in the Philadelphia media market
- Inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame
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.