Wikipedia defines an existential crisis as inner conflicts characterized by the impression that life lacks meaning and confusion about one’s personal identity.
Sundays were, and still are, my favorite day of the week. It’s a chance to recover from the work week that was, and a chance to take a deep breath and recharge before the new week ahead.
For most Italian kids, Sundays always looked the same. I’ll save you some time, because I’m sure you’ve heard this before: it was Mom or Grandmom’s Sunday gravy for dinner and time with family. In the fall and winter, it was that — plus the Eagles.
When I was a kid, I liked the Steelers. Yes, I know… please save me from your slander. I’ve heard it before.
Why did I like the Steelers? I don’t know. Maybe I was lost — a phase. I did think Troy Polamalu was sweet. Or maybe I just wanted to piss off my family. Most likely the latter. That rebelliousness felt good when I was younger.
It wasn’t until my early teens that the seed of Eagles fandom — one that had been planted in me — finally blossomed into what it is today.
Was all that necessary to tell? I don’t know. Probably not. But I feel like it fits into what I want to talk about.
The Eagles are Philadelphia’s one and only true love. No matter what, the city always comes back to them — through the losing seasons, the winning seasons that never ended with a ring, and every other frustration in between.
We always come back. No matter what.
That fight and passion is ingrained in the city’s DNA.
For a long time, the Eagles’ identity was: We’re going to be good, but we’ll never be taken seriously because we keep coming up short. It was always, There’s always next season.
Then, the Philadelphia Eagles won their second Super Bowl. They won big — and stopped an emerging dynasty in the process.
The Philadelphia Eagles are good. Really good.
Last year’s team was one of the best in NFL history — and certainly the best in Eagles history.
But now I’m asking: how will Eagles fans deal with this?
Eagles fans are entering uncharted territory. The Eagles are the team every other team in the league wants to be. They are the crème de la crème.
Talks of back-to-back championships are even being mentioned. Really?
Does that sound right to anyone else?
I mean, 2023 felt more familiar: dominance followed by soul-crushing defeat. The 2022 Super Bowl? Same thing — soul-crushing defeat. Those feelings hug Eagles fans like a warm blanket.
The feeling that we are always working toward next year — always growing from the losses — is part of our identity.
So how do Eagles fans deal with this growth?
The growth is grown. It’s grown and thriving like a sunflower in Kansas.
Are they supposed to be this good?
I thought I’d be telling my grandkids about 2018 and all the good memories from that amazing Super Bowl run. Now, we have one of the best players in the league and a Super Bowl MVP franchise quarterback.
How did that happen?
Wait… and they have an All-Pro linebacker too?
Yes. You can say that all of this is due in part to an amazing front office, and an owner who has built not only a multi-billion dollar franchise, but a culture of excellence and determination — a culture that not only puts the team first, but the fans first as well.
Don’t forget about the coaching, too.
The team didn’t roll over after the collapse of 2023 — they made the necessary adjustments and left that season in the past. That is what good teams do.
The amazing culture of the Eagles is nothing new to us fans, but now it’s being recognized by others. We all had to hear about the Patriot way for so long — now it’s the Philly way.
As a father myself, I hold the traditions of being an Eagles fan dearly. I feel a responsibility toward the next generation — to make sure they understand these traditions too.
But be cautious.
This type of winning will attract a certain type of fan.
Wait… you mean…?
Yes — front-runners.
The Eagles don’t have front-runner fans. How dare you say that!
That won’t happen. We won’t allow it!
Or… will we?
The Eagles are really good now. Is that not what happens with good teams? The bandwagon gets a little too crowded, and you have to let more people on?
Are we ready to pass on that sacred passion we hold so close to our hearts to other random people?
Sure, there are some things that still feel familiar. Eagles fans are used to winning — and regular season success. Jesus… we aren’t the Browns (sorry, Cleveland).
But I’m writing this with sincere honesty: are Eagles fans going to go through an identity crisis?
Can we talk about struggle ever again?
The Eagles have a franchise QB. Yes, I said it. Jalen Hurts is a franchise quarterback — despite what critics say.
By the end of his career, Hurts’ mental fortitude, leadership, and… butt will be talked about for years to come.
By most national outlets, he’s not seen as a top-tier QB, despite two Super Bowl appearances and one Super Bowl victory. He finds ways to win — and that’s all he cares about. Regular season numbers and rankings don’t mean much to him. He plays the game to get better and to win. He delivers when his team needs him to.
Man, Jalen is going to get picked apart this year — by the media and the fans. The first INT he throws? It’s game over.
I guess that familiar feeling of fighting for respect will still hold true next year. We will never stop fighting.
With the NFL’s popularity growing more and more, and its need to dominate sports fans’ attention, I think most people won’t be surprised when, sooner or later, there are NFL games on every night.
This invites the casual fan — and the casual fan is attracted to the winners.
The Eagles are the winners.
How are diehard Eagles fans going to deal with that?
We’ll have to wait and see.
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