I’ve been waiting my whole life for the Eagles to win. I grew up in a family of North Jersey / New York native Giants fans as the only member of my family born in Philadelphia. My uncle bought Giants clothing for me when I was a baby in an attempt to get me to be like the rest of my family, but it never stuck.
Eagles fandom as a whole has been defined by its chip-on-their-shoulder players, gritty performances, miracles, insane comeback wins, but ultimately coming up short. My love for this team, like many others, has always been the butt of jokes regarding their lack of ability to go the distance. Not anymore.
I screamed, I begged my television, I cheered, and when that clock read 0:00, I bawled my eyes out for a good 30 minutes. This season has been such a rollercoaster, but this team truly was something special. They were always there for each other, and always played for each other. The atmosphere Doug Pederson cultivated is a work of art, and they way these players have rallied behind the backups that came in for the injured was incredible. Any or all of them could have easily given up, cut their losses, taken their checks, and set their eyes on their next destination, but none of them did. They wanted this win for themselves, for each other, for Doug and Howie Roseman and Lurie, the organization, for the city of Philadelphia, and their lifelong fans in other places.
I’m so happy for these guys, and I wish I could see the real parade in Philly on Thursday. I’ll be cheering here from Florida!!! FLY EAGLES FLY!!!