The Philadelphia Eagles are the official champions of Super Bowl LIX! On Sunday, Feb. 9, the Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs with a score of 40-22, effectively preventing the Chiefs from achieving the first three-peat in NFL history. Led by quarterback Jalen Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni, this is the first Eagles Super Bowl win since their 2018 victory against the New England Patriots. Hurts, who was named Super Bowl MVP, set a new record for rushing yards by a Super Bowl quarterback. To top it off, in only his first season with the Eagles, Penn State Alum Saquon Barkley has already accomplished a Super Bowl win and broken the record for most rushing yards in a season.
Super Bowl Parade in Philadelphia
To celebrate their victory, Philadelphia held a parade that traveled through the city. The official date of the parade was Feb. 14. It began at 11 a.m. at the Sports Complex—the location of the Eagles home stadium, Lincoln Financial Field. It then traveled up Broad Street toward City Hall. The parade ended at approximately 3 p.m. at the Philadelphia Museum of Art with a celebratory ceremony.
Players such as Saquon Barkley, Brandon Graham and A.J. Brown were seen riding on open-air buses, happily waving and holding up the Vince Lombardi Trophy. They often jumped off the buses to interact with fans. Philadelphia Eagles Owner Jeffrey Lurie, head coach Nick Sirianni and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker were also present.
At the Art Museum ceremony, the atmosphere was incredible with crowds swarming the Rocky Steps. The players shared speeches that expressed their gratitude for the city’s strength and support. They even sang iconic songs like “We Are the Champions” by Queen. In addition, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro gave a speech in which he declared the Philadelphia Eagles as “America’s Team.”
The History of the Eagles in the Super Bowl
What makes the Eagles special isn’t necessarily their victories but the journeys they take to achieve them. Both times they have won the Super Bowl have been against teams that have previously defeated them in a Super Bowl. Their perseverance and determination make each win even more fulfilling.
In Super Bowl XV in 1981, the Eagles lost 27-10 to the Las Vegas Raiders. Led by quarterback Ron Jaworski, this appearance was significant because it was the Eagles’ first Super Bowl appearance since the team’s establishment in 1933. 24 years later, they appeared in Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005, which culminated in a disappointing 24-21 loss against the New England Patriots.
Their third appearance in Super Bowl LII in 2018 made its mark on history as the first Eagles Super Bowl victory, with the Eagles beating the Patriots 41-33. In Super Bowl LVII in 2023, the Eagles made their fourth appearance, ultimately losing to the Kansas City Chiefs with a close score of 38-35.
The Philly Spirit
Often dubbed the most passionate NFL fanbase, Philadelphia Eagles fans are nothing short of dedicated. Their energy radiates through the city as they flood Broad Street after a win, admiring the green-lit skyline. If you try to visit the Eagles merchandise store the week leading up to the Super Bowl, be prepared for lines that extend down the street. Some Eagles fans even went as far as dressing the Ben Franklin statue in Old City in an A.J. Brown Jersey and hat!
However, Eagles fans not only bleed green in Philly—they show their spirit around the country. For example, the number of Eagles fans significantly outnumbered the number of Chiefs fans present at the Super Bowl game on Feb. 9.
Their sense of loyalty is unwavering and shows how Eagles fans are more than just a fandom. They are a family.
But I know about this city, one thing we do is we fight. We fight. And you go through the course of these things and you learn that success isn’t built off of approval. It’s built off of endurance. It’s built off of strength. You can’t quit. You can’t lose if you don’t quit. And in Philly, we don’t quit.
Jalen Hurts at the Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl victory parade
Did you attend the Eagles victory parade? Tag us, @VALLEYmag, and let us know!
