That changed this week.

On Saturday, the Philadelphia Eagles announced that Jason Peters has returned to sign a ceremonial one-day contract with the team, officially retiring in midnight green—the colors that defined his legacy. It’s not a comeback on the field. It’s closure. And for a player who gave over a decade of greatness to the city of Philadelphia, it’s the only ending that ever made sense.

“This city shaped my career and gave me a home. It’s only right that I finish it where it all truly mattered,” Peters said in a short statement through the team. “Midnight green forever.”

Peters spent 12 seasons with the Eagles from 2009 to 2020, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and solidifying himself as one of the most dominant left tackles of his era. His presence on the offensive line helped stabilize the franchise through multiple quarterback eras, culminating in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII run, even though he was injured during that postseason.

Though he finished his career with short stints in Chicago, Dallas, and Seattle, Peters always made it clear that Philadelphia was home. When asked why he wanted to come back just to retire, Peters said simply, “It didn’t feel right ending my career without the Eagles. This team, this city—they gave me everything.”

Current players and coaches echoed that sentiment. Lane Johnson referred to him as “a blueprint for what an offensive lineman should be,” and Nick Sirianni called the signing “a moment the whole organization stands behind.”

Peters is expected to be honored during the Eagles’ 2025 home opener, where fans will finally get to salute one of the franchise’s greatest linemen. And while he may have played his final snap years ago, the closing of his story couldn’t have come at a better place—or with a better jersey on his back.

Jason Peters is officially, and forever, an Eagle.