It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted here but today is as good a time as ever to get back into updating the site.
As I write this post after midnight on the morning of Monday, February 5 I do so after getting to watch the Eagles win Super Bowl LII.
It is the first Super Bowl title in franchise history.
It is the first title win that I got to experience with my boys.
Tony and Enzo were pumped for tonight. Tony has been waiting with bated breath since the Birds took down Minnesota two weeks ago.
His class even put together a little video with an original song written by their teacher, Mrs. Elliott.
As much as I am excited, happy, and elated to celebrate this win I am beyond thrilled that my grandfather got to see the Eagles win.
He got to watch as Tom Brady’s last-ditch pass attempt fell to the ground with no time left on the clock and then celebrate with his great-grandsons.
Tony had asked every day over the last two weeks if it was time for the Super Bowl yet. He was up bright and early Sunday morning rocking his Carson Wentz T.
Enzo stood at attention with his hand over his heart for the National Anthem. Tony sang the Eagles fight song throughout the night.
I couldn’t have asked for a better night with my family, friends, and boys.
With all the hype, buildup, and rooting Tony had done for two weeks we began to worry what he might say or how he might react if the Birds had lost.
Thankfully, we don’t have to cross that bridge this year.
As the confetti fell on the field I looked at Tony and said, “Take it all in bud. You’re getting to witness something before the age of six that took me almost 33 years to experience.”
He’s definitely my boy because on Saturday Tony said he was excited for the Eagles to win (yes he said they’d win) because that meant that the Phillies would be playing again soon.
This victory is special.
This victory is different than the Phillies victory in 2008.
I was on Broad Street in 2008 the night the Phillies won it all.
I was on Broad Street in 2008 for the parade.
Those were two of the best days of my life.
I wasn’t on Broad Street the night the Eagles won the Super Bowl in 2018.
I won’t be on Broad Street the day of the Eagles parade in 2018.
It doesn’t mean that this win is less sweet or less special. This win is different. Much different than 2008.
Tonight, I got to see my favorite football team hoist the Lombardi trophy for the first time while sitting in the same room with my 94-year-old grandfather. Four generations of Eagles fans gathered under one roof for the biggest game in franchise history.
This victory shows my boys that hard work, determination, perseverance, and dedication are worth it. This team was overrun with adversity on the injury front alone. Any other team would’ve given up, backed down, rolled over and let excuses take control.
Not this team. This team stood by injured teammates. This team believed in its head coach, who believed in his players. This team heard the criticisms from the national media and used them as motivation.
This team gave Philly and Eagles fans all across the world something to believe in again. This team gave fans the ability to celebrate for those who couldn’t be here to watch the game.
It’s been a long 10 years since the Phillies title in 2008. I’ve said goodbye to two important people in my life whom I think about every day.
My Uncle Steve was a huge Philly sports fan. My father-in-law Chris loved his Philly teams too. I know that both of these incredible men were watching down Sunday night as the Delaware Valley celebrated an Eagles Super Bowl victory.
Grown men cried last night. You saw it in the stands. You saw it in the streets. You saw it on the field. Former Eagles players embraced in jubilation. The weight of a city was lifted off the shoulders of a tortured franchise.
This Super Bowl means a lot to so many. There was something special about this team. You can’t deny that. I can’t help but think that all those who couldn’t be around to see this one were having one incredible Super Bowl bash in the clouds.
Tony asked me after everyone went home Sunday night if his Poppa was an Eagles fan. I said, “Oh yea, Tone. He was, and he definitely saw this game. Poppa’s really happy right now.”
Tony then went to tell his mom what he learned. “Mom, everyone in heaven could see the Super Bowl and the Eagles win!”
You’re right, Tony. And, that’s what makes this win so important. So many tears were shed Sunday night. More will be shed in the days to come. So many beers were raised up for those no longer with us. Sunday night we were rooting for more than just a Super Bowl win. We were rooting for all those who prayed for a victory for so many years.
Then, with one final incompletion, Eagles fans across the globe breathed a sigh of relief and kicked off a celebration that lasted well into the early-morning hours of Monday, February 5.
This Super Bowl win is so important because it wiped away years of frustration, anger, sadness, disappointment, and heartbreak for an entire fanbase.
This Super Bowl win is so important because it showed my boys how important it is to keep moving forward no matter how many times you get knocked down.
This Super Bowl win is so important because four generations of Eagles fans got to spend one magical February night in front of the TV watching history.
Why is this Super Bowl win so important to you? Let’s start the discussion and show the world why Philly fans are the most passionate fans anywhere.
