PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia was awash in inexperienced on Valentine’s Day to rejoice its Tremendous Bowl champion Eagles.
Swooning followers screamed and cheered Friday as Tremendous Bowl MVP quarterback Jalen Hurts and Eagles proprietor Jeffrey Lurie took turns hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy initially of the workforce’s victory parade by means of the Metropolis of Brotherly Love.
Many followers camped out alongside the parade route in a single day, huddling below blankets and in tents to safe prime spots close to the Philadelphia Museum of Artwork, the place the Eagles took the stage on the “Rocky” steps.
“You recognize, I advised myself that once I bought drafted that I would not come to the ‘Rocky’ steps till I received a championship,” Hurts stated. “And now we’re right here.”
A couple of rowdy followers lobbed beer cans to gamers using on the open-air buses, and a wayward throw smacked Eagles basic supervisor Howie Roseman within the brow.
“I bleed for this metropolis!” Roseman stated later throughout the celebration.
Different followers decked out in Eagles jerseys climbed timber and light-weight poles, perched atop ladders and clung to a statue of Benjamin Franklin close to Metropolis Corridor to get a glimpse of record-setting operating again Saquon Barkley and Cooper DeJean, the rookie defensive again who ran an interception into the tip zone on his twenty second birthday.
“This workforce is particular,” coach Nick Sirianni stated. “We won’t be nice with out the greatness of others, and that actually applies to our followers.”
Barkley, together with many different gamers, hopped off the buses to stroll alongside the parade route and trade high-fives with followers who pressed towards teetering barricades.
Jordan Jaindl, who could not make it to the 2018 parade after the Eagles received their first Tremendous Bowl, wasn’t going to overlook this one, bringing his spouse and three daughters from Binghamton, New York. This workforce, he stated, was the embodiment of town.
“Their work ethic,” he stated. “How they should grind for every win. We have now to grind right here in Philly.”
Eagles large receiver A.J. Brown was among the many gamers to talk on the podium, and on the conclusion of his speech, he recited the criticism that was leveled at him all through the season.
“They stated I used to be a diva, they stated all I care about was stats,” Brown stated. “You going to get all these issues improper about me, however one factor you get proper: I am a f—ing champion!”
Followers confirmed up with grocery carts stocked with meals and booze, whereas just a few stayed heat in a resort, sipping champagne. One group roasted a pig with the quantity “15” carved into the aspect — a ultimate shot at Kansas Metropolis Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
The Eagles, regardless of being underdogs, dominated the Chiefs within the huge sport Sunday, shutting them out within the first half earlier than ending with a 40-22 victory.
“I am so blissful you did not have to undergo a nail-biter sport,” veteran defensive finish Brandon Graham stated. “It is about us being gritty. We’ll keep gritty.”
Graham, 11 weeks after tearing his triceps and declaring that he was out for the remainder of the season, returned to play 13 snaps within the Tremendous Bowl. Previous to the season, he had introduced his intention to retire after his fifteenth 12 months within the league, however he left his future plans extra open-ended throughout his parade speech Friday.
“I am so grateful for my youngsters, my household. So grateful to be part of this group. You guys made me what I’m right this moment,” stated Graham, who was the final Eagles participant to talk. “Solely downside I’ve with this season is that it is over. We preparing for subsequent 12 months.”
Earlier this week, Mayor Cherelle Parker and different metropolis leaders implored the workforce’s exuberant followers to remain secure and preserve the temper festive.
“Within the midst of all this magnificence, all the sacrifices this workforce has made to satisfy this second, we do not need it to all go by the wayside,” the mayor stated.
Two ladies have been shot within the legs Friday throughout an argument with one other particular person close to the parade, police stated, but it surely was not clear the place it occurred or whether or not it had a connection to the celebration.
There was a big police presence alongside the route, which stretched from South Philadelphia, the place the Eagles play, to Metropolis Corridor and the artwork museum.
Dump vans and heavy gear blocked many aspect streets, and metropolis faculties, courts and different companies closed for the parade.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
