http://vimeo.com/71260369

Despite all the swords we’ve poked Donovan McNabb with over the past few weeks (all deserved), it should be noted that the tearful speech he gave today at the NovaCare Complex was tremendous. Following laudatory remarks from the Brians – Westbrook and Dawkins –  McNabb appeared shaken as he thanked his parents, wife, kids, teammates, the organization and, yes, “Big Red”:

“Last but not least, I want to thank Big Red, who probably is in camp right now, for taking the chance and sticking with me in 1999, 11 great years. We’ll be forever linked together, but that’s one the things I can honestly say I love it. We made history big fella. Again, to everyone that’s here, to everyone that’s watching, to all the fans, I truly love you. I gave everything I had. When I stepped out on that field, I never complained. When you seen ‘5’, you knew 5 was going to give you what he got.”

It felt a bit like Donovan was working on the Canton speech that probably won’t come. And his words were a bit… um, lofty for a room full of Eagles scriptuals and in-house personnel. But it was probably the only opportunity Five will get to do something like this. He did a nice job with it. Bonus points for the iPad, too.

The Eagles have put together this very cool page on the legacy of McNabb. It’s worth checking out.

Video via the Eagles, partial transcription via CBS Philly