Jan. 26 was historic for Eagles fans. Electrified by the annihilation of the Commanders, each bounced from their Linc seats or bar stools and headed toward Broad Street. The 55-23 win triggered liberal celebration – Coors downed, Crisco-covered architecture climbed, 31 nuisance citations and the terrible death of a local freshman college student. Jan. 26 was historic both on and off the field.
After a fatal fall from a traffic fixture, a Toronto native sustained severe brain trauma. Less than 48 hours later, a beloved son, teammate and decorated athlete was dead. Dead. Over football. There’s enthusiasm, and there’s sheer recklessness. When will fans understand the crucial difference?
Before I’m blacklisted from Broad Street for the defamation of character, I’d like to be clear: I am a massive Birds fan. I was raised on habitual losses, a fierce hatred for the Dallas Cowbabies (Dad’s words) and zealous exaltation of Nick Foles. Even in Delco, I could see the substance behind this team. Our Lombardi was deemed a fluke. How could benchwarmers, a record saturated with loss and a torn ACL dethrone the 2018 Pats? We knew this was no miracle. Like its hometown, the franchise embodies endurance.
Retired center Jason Kelce confirmed this notion after 13 seasons with the Birds.
“I remember Zach Ertz [recoiled] from a block one game,” Kelce said. “The fans [scolded] him, crushing him for his mistake. The next week, in the first catch, Ertz snagged. He ran after the ball like I had never seen. Then, I heard the Linc roar with cheers.”
To Kelce, Ertz and countless athletes before them, Birds’ culture was one of hardened love. A love which demands determination and devotion in adverse seasons. This love fostered a franchise like no other. Still, such stubbornness has its downsides.
Because we defend and care for this team like a brother, our reactions are exacerbated. The wins are victorious feats. “Go Birds” substitutes for “hello” and “thanks” in local Wawas. Crime rates decrease under the newfound sense of camaraderie. In 2022, after two consecutive victories over rival teams, there were no incidents, no murders and no armed violence. In 2018, total offenses were reduced 16% the week after the fateful Lombardi win, then returned to normal levels. With homicide rates on a stable increase since 2020, this is no coincidence.
The losses are detrimental. Two weeks before the NFC faceoff, a foul-mouthed Birds fan heaved “vile” and “horrific” insults toward a woman in Packers merch. He was banned from the Linc and fired from his job. There is amicable retribution for this “banter” with the contending fans. This, however, is one of few hostile interactions cemented on camera.
Jennifer Alvarez, a Villanovan freshman and Giants fan, indicated her concerns being in the city for the Super Bowl.
“I was raised in a town similar to [Philadelphia],” Alvarez said, “I can handle the haggling and name-calling, but I’m nervous the situation will escalate. Since coming here, I’ve discovered how ruthless Eagles fans are.”
Excited as I am for a potential Super Bowl title (and to see Chiefs quarterback Pat Mahomes surrounded with green confetti and a frown on his face), I fear the absolute chaos this weekend will ensue. Whether it’s a celebration or condolence on Feb. 9, be cautious. Drink, dance and chant the fight song at an obtrusive volume. However, remember this is football. No one’s life is worth that final score.
