Philadelphia turned into a sea of green on Valentine’s Day as thousands of fans gathered to celebrate the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory in a massive parade through the City of Brotherly Love.
MVP quarterback Jalen Hurts and team owner Jeffrey Lurie kicked off the celebration, hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy high as they waved to the roaring crowd. Fans, some of whom camped out overnight, lined the streets leading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where the Eagles took center stage on the iconic “Rocky” steps.
Fans go all out
Dedicated Eagles fans left no stone unturned in their celebrations. Some climbed trees and statues near City Hall for a better view, while others perched on ladders or gathered in grocery carts filled with food and drinks. One group even roasted a pig with the number “15” carved into its side, taking a final jab at Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Among the attendees was Jordan Jaindl, who traveled from Binghamton, New York, with his wife and three daughters. Missing the 2018 parade, he wasn’t about to let this one pass. “Their work ethic, how they have to grind for each win—that’s Philly,” he said.
A dominant championship run
The Eagles entered the Super Bowl as underdogs but stunned the Chiefs with a commanding 40-22 victory. Star running back Saquon Barkley thrilled fans by hopping off an open-air bus to exchange high-fives, while rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean was cheered for his interception touchdown on his 22nd birthday.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, who previously fumbled an Eagles chant, made up for it this week by spelling out “N-F-L C-H-A-M-P-I-O-N-S” to hype up the crowd. She urged fans to celebrate responsibly, reminding them not to climb light poles or cause chaos in the city’s streets.
Safety concerns loom
Despite the mayor’s warnings, some fans still scaled city trucks and even portable toilets. The city took extra precautions, increasing police presence and using dump trucks to block side streets. The heightened security followed a tragic incident just weeks ago when a college student fell to his death from a street pole after the Eagles’ NFC Championship win.
With city schools, courts, and agencies closed for the parade, Philadelphia came together for a well-earned celebration, marking another unforgettable chapter in Eagles history.
