When you think about a sports team with the most passionate fans, which one comes to mind? For many, the answer is obvious. The Philadelphia Eagles, often called “Eagle Nation.” This team is one of the NFL's most dedicated and energized fan bases. This community's passion is shown through their rowdy chants, undeniable support, and their huge tailgating culture, where fans gather hours before games to celebrate, have grillouts, and share their love for the team. Many people come out to support this team on game day. According to Jersey Magazine, “Some road games have more than 10,000 Eagles fans in the stands.” (Carchidi, 2024) This fan base is a heartfelt community that truly brings people together.
Eagles iconic fight song, “Fly Eagles Fly.”
This chant resonates throughout the entire field during every home game. For the fans it creates a sense of unity, pride, and excitement. As the familiar melody of this fight song begins, the stadium is filled with a loud roar of all the passionate fans. From the loud chanting in unison, and the way fan’s voices carry with power. The foundation of the arena shakes. This chant is a tradition that’s been passed down for generations. The song lyrics celebrate the team and their drive to fight for a win and succeed. Each word and note shows the spirit of the Eagles Nation. Luckily, I was fortunate enough to attend a home game last year, and I’ll never forget the feeling of being surrounded by tens of thousands of fans all screaming out "Fly, Eagles, Fly" in unison. Hearing the chant echo throughout the stadium, felt electric. It was an experience unlike any other, and in that moment, I truly understood why the tradition is so meaningful. I truly believe that Eagle fans share a love for their team like no other. According to phillymag.com, “Eagles fans would be in the top two to four percent of extreme sports-team fans.” (Hingston, 2023) As you can see, it is not just a chant to these followers. It is a representation of everything the team and its fans stand for. Being a part of that was one of the most exhilarating and unforgettable feelings.
FLY EAGLES FLY NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME 2023!
The Eagles Chant
Another tradition is the Eagles chant, “E-A-G-L-E-S, Eagles!” This chant is so loud that it can be heard not just in the stadium, but in bars, and streets of Philadelphia. This chant is carried even to away games. It shows the widespread support for the team, and embodies the spirit and passion of Eagle Nation. This is a tradition that unites all fans.
How it Works
Fans start the chant by spelling out "E-A-G-L-E-S" in unison. Each letter shouted loudly as it’s announced. The rhythm of this chant is contagious, creating a wave of excitement that moves through the crowd. As each letter is called out, the energy continues to build more and more. Fans continue to raise their voices higher as their feet are on the ground; they pump their fists or wave towels in the air. In the stadium you can feel the anticipation as the chant progresses. By the time they reach the final letter, "S," the stadium is full of energy. At this point in the chant every single person in the stands, is on the edge of their seats, ready for the game. At the end of this chant, the entire stadium collectively yells the word "Eagles!" at the top of their lungs.
Eagles Tailgating Culture
One of the most exciting aspects of the Eagles fans is their tailgate culture. Before every home game, fans gather in the parking lot of Lincoln Financial Field. People play music, grill, and get hyped for the game together. It's a celebration where friends, families, and even strangers get together to bond and show their love for the Eagles. I have personally been to one of these tailgates, and I can say the atmosphere is an unreal feeling, filled with excitement and unity, almost creating a sense of family amongst the fans. I was even having conversations with strangers that I had never met before.
Eagles Super Bowl Aftermath
In 2018 the Philadelphia Eagles won their first Super Bowl ever. The city streets were completely crowded with Eagles fans. celebrating their victory. The whole city was alive with energy as thousands of supporters gathered, chanting, singing, and sharing in the historic moment. This incredible display of unity perfectly captures the essence of “Eagle Nation,” showing how deeply connected and dedicated the fans are. Their support and spirit make the Eagles community one of the most united in the NFL. While this was a very exciting and heartfelt celebration, it did get out of hand because of the excitement. Whyy.org stated, “The band led fans around City Hall, which had been blocked off by police barricades, and met more people on South Broad, turning into a crowd of thousands. Unauthorized fireworks went off, and—yes—people climbed poles. It did not last long. Police in riot gear formed a line with their bodies and bicycles that swept down South Broad, forcing the crowd to disperse.” (Crimmons, 2023) While things did get out of hand, this truly does show the love people have for the Philadelphia Eagles. This Super Bowl victory united an entire city and sparked a community that reaches far beyond Philadelphia. Countless fans traveled to come and witness this win, creating a bond that moved past geographic boundaries. It wasn’t just a celebration for one city. It was a collective victory, bringing together people from all different walks of life, different corners of the country, to share the joy of a common passion.
Works Cited
Carchidi, Sam. “The Green Legion | JerseyMan Magazine.” JerseyMan Magazine, Oct. 2024, jerseymanmagazine.com/the-green-legion/. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.
Crimmins, Peter. ““It’s Heartbreaking Right Now”: Eagles Fans Fill the Streets in Mourning after Super Bowl Loss.” WHYY, 13 Feb. 2023, whyy.org/articles/eagles-fans-fill-near-philadelphias-city-hall-following-super-bowl-loss/. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.
Hingston, Sandy. “Psyched Up: Inside the Weird Minds of Eagles Fans.” Philadelphia Magazine, 8 Sept. 2023, www.phillymag.com/news/2023/09/08/eagles-fans-psychology/. Accessed 16 Feb. 2024.
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