Philadelphia Celebrates Eagles' Super Bowl Triumph with a Green Valentine's Day Parade
Philadelphia embraced its Super Bowl champion Eagles with a sea of green on Valentine’s Day.
Euphoria enveloped the city on Friday as fans roared and applauded MVP quarterback Jalen Hurts and team owner Jeffrey Lurie, who proudly lifted the Vince Lombardi Trophy to kick off the team’s victory parade through the City of Brotherly Love.
Dedicated fans camped out along the parade route overnight, huddling beneath blankets and inside tents to claim choice spots near the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where the Eagles took center stage on the iconic “Rocky” steps.
“When I was drafted, I vowed not to visit the Rocky steps until I’d secured a championship,” Hurts declared to the cheering crowd. “And now, here we are.”
Enthusiastic supporters sporting Eagles jerseys ascended trees and light poles, scaled ladders, and perched themselves on a Benjamin Franklin statue near City Hall, all in hopes of catching a glimpse of record-breaking running back Saquon Barkley and the rookie defensive ace Cooper DeJean, who captured an interception and turned it into a birthday touchdown at 22.
“This team is extraordinary. Our greatness is incomplete without the greatness of our fans,” commended head coach Nick Sirianni.
With the Lombardi Trophy in grasp, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman stepped up to the podium, exclaiming, “I have red in my veins for this city!”
Wide receiver A.J. Brown took the platform as well, addressing the criticisms he faced throughout the season, “They labeled me a diva, accused me of being obsessed with stats,” Brown stated. “They got it all wrong. One thing they got right: “I’m a f—ing champion!”
Barkley and many teammates descended from the open-top buses to stroll along the parade route, exchanging high-fives with fans packed against unsteady barriers.
Jordan Jaindl, who missed the 2018 parade when the Eagles first clinched the Super Bowl, refused to let history repeat itself. He brought his wife and three daughters down from Binghamton, New York, to be part of the celebration. “This team personifies our city’s spirit,” he remarked.
Fans were armed with grocery carts brimming with snacks and drinks, while some kept warm at a hotel, sipping champagne. One group even roasted a pig with the number “15” etched into its side—a parting jab at Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
The Eagles, despite being the underdog, trounced the Chiefs on Sunday, shutting them out in the first half and wrapping up with a 40-22 triumph.
“I’m thrilled you didn’t endure a close call,” exclaimed veteran defensive end Brandon Graham. “It’s our grit that defines us. We’re keeping that grit alive.”
A remarkable 11 weeks post-triceps injury and ruled out for the season, Graham managed to play 13 snaps in the Super Bowl. Although he initially announced plans to retire after his 15th year, he left those plans uncertain during Friday’s speech.
“Immense gratitude to my family and kids. Grateful to be part of such a phenomenal organization. You all molded who I am,” concluded Graham, the final Eagles player to speak. “The only downside this season—it has ended. We’re gearing up for next year.”