Philadelphia fans have often been labeled as some of the most passionate, if not the most demanding, in the entire United States. However, it’s crucial to recognize that this reputation is somewhat exaggerated.
To be fair, Philadelphians do hold their sports teams and athletes to high standards. But this level of scrutiny typically stems from a deep desire for their teams and athletes to excel.
In all sincerity, one could argue that Philadelphia fans are among the best in the nation. Just ask Trea Turner, the superstar of the Philadelphia Phillies.
In fact, nearly every Philadelphia fan would offer a similar sentiment: they have love for all of their city’s teams, but it’s the Philadelphia Eagles that hold a special place in their hearts.
This affection for the Eagles is so profound that “Go Birds” has practically become the Philly equivalent of “Shalom,” and the thunderous “E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES” chants resonate not only at Eagles games but also at Phillies games, weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, and virtually any gathering you can imagine.
Philadelphia is unequivocally an Eagles town. The other teams merely rent emotional space in the minds and hearts of the fans.
Hence, it’s entirely fitting that, with the Eagles’ 2023 home opener on a Thursday night, one fan demonstrated his unwavering devotion to the beloved team.
Gregg Matza, a diehard Eagles enthusiast, arrived in the parking lots as the first tailgater for the 8:15 p.m. kickoff, setting foot there at 4:30 a.m.
Why did he do it?
In his own words, “Just to don this t-shirt. The kelly green Reggie White t-shirt. I had, like, chills this morning driving,” he began. “I’m thinking about the game, I’m thinking about how the defense is going to perform. Will we establish our running game? Will Jalen Hurts outshine his previous performance? Because we all know he didn’t have his best game last week.
“So, they need to address their errors, and we have quite a few injuries tonight. But I have a strong belief that DeAndre Swift will step up for the Eagles, and my prediction is a six-point victory.”
Of course, there’s a substantial stretch of time between 4:30 a.m. and the 8:15 p.m. kickoff.
