The Fanbase of the Eagles

    

Introduction

      Depending on where you are from the NFL team you most likely support is based in your state. Supporters of NFL teams can be found wearing jerseys of their favorite players, attending games, or posting on social media about current player statistics. However, while all teams have their fans, the eagles have fans like no other. The Eagles were established in 1933 and have been growing their number of supporters and fans since then. Most of the fans who support the Eagles are hardworking members of society that use football to release themselves, sometimes to extreme measures. As the number of supporters for the team grew so did the reputation of the fans. 

                 Appearance

      The Eagles' colors are black, white, and midnight green, these colors are commonly found in Philidelphia, the home of the Eagles. Many fans take it farther than the team's colors on a jersey. Some people paint their faces or wear an eagle hat on top of their heads, some even go so far as to dress up as an eagle. No matter how silly they look to others, they find no shame in their apparel. 

                                           Online Appearance

      One man has become popular on the social media platform, TikTok, for dressing up in his Eagles' apparel and painting his face silver. He often posts videos discussing his feelings toward the plays of the team and mocking teams that lose to the Eagles. He has gained many other fans as supporters and even people who do not watch football, like his videos. His recent popularity does not diminish the fact that many supporters also post their own comments and feelings about the games. Others support the Eagles in sports betting and fantasy football. Fantasy football is a game that allows players to make their own team by drafting players before the NFL season begins. Then as the football season continues the real-life players earn the fantasy teams' points, based off of performance. Many fans of the Eagles will choose their favorite players from the Eagles team.

         Characteristics

      Though their clothing is just the beginning of their display of support. Eagles fans have certain characteristics that can be seen by anyone. Many outsiders who are not fully engaged in football find the Eagles' fans to act in a psychotic or immature manner. However many see the fans of the Eagles, as some of the "most loyal" fans of any NFL team (Goyette, 2018). No matter the losses that may be occurring their faith in the players will never be destroyed.  Another known trait of the Philadelphia Eagles fan base is their passion. They have a passion for football, for the city, and for their team. They are never afraid to voice their opinion or "throw snowballs at a Santa" in reaction to referee calls (Sinclair, 2021). The last extremely known quality of Eagles fans is their deep hatred for the Dallas Cowboys (Goyette, 2018). Their rivalry is based on the fact Eagles compete in the same as the Dallas Cowboys division and ultimately end up facing each other for the championship. No matter what is occurring you can be sure the Eagles' fans still hate the Dallas Cowboys.

Reputation

      The reputation of the Eagles fans is not based on other teams being sore losers, the Eagles' fans gained the reputation on their own. They have the reputation of being the; "worse fans of the NFL"(Goyette, 2018). After winning Superbowl VII the Eagles fans took to the street to cheer on their winners. This ultimately led to fans climbing light poles, even after many street workers attempted to prevent them from doing so (NBC Sports, n.d.). In another incident before kickoff, a fan punched a police horse in the face (Moselle, 2018). The reasoning for doing such an act is not known, but it can be said fans act wild on game day. In a game against the Dallas Cowboys, Michael Irving, a wide receiver suffered a spinal injury. While unable to move on the field the fans of the Eagles started cheering because he was injured (Pasceri, 2012). There are many more incidents that have occurred at the hands of Eagles fans.

Conclusion

      It is safe to say no matter where you are from, everyone knows about the Eagles fans. It is even common to hear the "E-A-G-L-E-S" chant in grocery stores, bowling alleys, or at the game. The passion of the fans helps drive the players to victory. Yet, not everyone agrees with the acts of Eagles fans, but the fans wear the "psychotic reputation as a badge of honor" (Moselle, 2018). 

Eagles Chant (Video)

References

Goyette, J. (2018, January 30). Explaining fans to Minnesotanm: We embrace our rough side.     StarTribune. https://www.startribune.com/explaining-eagles-fans-to-minnesotans-we-embrace-our-rough-side/471771874/

Moselle, A. (2018, February 3). Despite colorful history, eagles fans call reputation overblown. Minnesota  Public Radio. https://www.mprnews.org/story/2018/02/03/npr-eagles-fans-reputation

NBC Sports. (n.d.) 10 times philadelphia fans were truly the worst. NBC Sports,     Washington. https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/washington-redskins/10-times-philadelphia-fans-    were-truly-worst-philadelphia-eagles-philadelphia-phillies-philadelphia-flyers 

Pasceri, R. (2012, March 28). What makes philadelphia eagles fans most notorious in all of NFL. Bleacher Report. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1122166-what-makes-philadelphia-eagles-fans-most-notorious-in-all-of-nfl

Sinclair, L. (2021). 3 characteristics that define philidelphia eagles fans. Insidetheiggles.             https://insidetheiggles.com/2020/12/16/characteristics-philadelphia-eagles-fans/