There's no denying it, being a Temple Owl means being surrounded by Phillies, 76ers, and the most hated fans on Earth, Eagles fans.
It is also well-known that Philadelphia fans are die-hard. Bleeding red and white isn't enough in these territories, especially when the Eagles suddenly took home the dub in Super Bowl LII.
Being from central Jersey, the Eagles are kind of out of my range to root for, so the Giants it is. After their pathetic season, it was clear there really wasn't any hope for them. Then suddenly, the Eagles defeated the Vikings two weeks ago and wound up in Super Bowl LII against Brady and the Patriots.
Being a Giants fan, it's frowned upon to root for the Eagles. But I never really understood why the Eagles were so hated until about two weeks ago. My roommate and I went to the Eagles' tailgate, and so did some Vikings fans.
Disguising my true colors, I swallowed my pride and walked the lots in a green crew neck and Eagles beanie. Non-Eagles fans dared to wear purple, where I witnessed the epitome of why people despise Eagles fans.
Two men were walking down the sidewalk, technically in "Eagles territory", decked out in purple Vikings jerseys and beers in hand. Suddenly, a voice yelled "Get out of here you fat f***," The two men continued laughing and walking, ignoring the crude insults from the Eagles fan. The voice continued harassing the Vikings fan but the men just continued on their way, pretending not to hear a thing.
In that moment, I realized the reason people have so much hate against the Eagles. It isn't because of their random spirt of talent this year or bandwagon fans; it's because of how outwardly they react towards other fans with no remorse.
To the Eagles fan probably reading this, don't worry. I'm about to talk about what great fans you guys are as well.
Despite the name-calling, vandalism, and smack-talking all Eagles fans are guilty of, the one thing I can say is you guys are dedicated. From the start, Eagles fans have been there. There are kids in some of my classes who know the entire team inside and out, which I view as pure dedication.
The Eagles have fought their way to be where they are right now, and no one can take that away from them. As much as it pains me to see Tom Brady leave without another win, it would pain me even more to have class on Thursday. But being in Philly right now is way too exciting to feel bad for a team with their record, so the parade it is.