The city of Philadelphia On Valentine’s Day, Philadelphia was decked out in green to commemorate its victory in the Super Bowl.
As MVP quarterback Jalen Hurts and Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie alternately raised the Vince Lombardi Trophy at the beginning of the team’s championship parade through the City of Brotherly Love on Friday, jubilant spectators yelled and applauded.
In order to have good seats close to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where the Eagles performed on the Rocky steps, a large number of supporters huddled under tents and under blankets along the team’s parade route during the night.
Hurts told jubilant supporters, “You know, I promised myself that after I was drafted, I wouldn’t go to the Rocky steps until I won a championship.” We’re here now.
In order to catch a glimpse of record-setting running back Saquon Barkley and rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean, who ran an interception into the end zone on his 22nd birthday, others wearing Eagles jerseys scaled trees and light poles, positioned themselves on ladders, and clung to a statue of Benjamin Franklin close to City Hall.
According to head coach Nick Sirianni, this team is unique. Without the brilliance of others, we cannot be great, and our fans are no exception.
Barkley and numerous other athletes disembarked from the open-air busses to stroll along the parade route and give high fives to spectators who crowded up against precarious barricades.
On Friday, February 14, 2025, in Philadelphia, fans watch the Philadelphia Eagles’ NFL football Super Bowl 59 procession and celebration from the base of the Philadelphia Art Museum. (Photo courtesy of Chris Szagola)AP
Bringing his wife and three daughters from Binghamton, New York, Jordan Jaindl, who was unable to attend the 2018 parade following the Eagles’ first Super Bowl victory, was determined not to miss this one. He claimed that this team embodied the city.
He mentioned their work ethic. How hard they have to work for every victory. Here in Philadelphia, we have to work hard.
Some fans kept warm at a hotel, sipping champagne, while others arrived with grocery carts full of food and alcohol. To have a last dig at Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes, one group roasted a pig with the number 15 carved into its side.
Despite being the underdogs, the Eagles dominated Sunday’s game, shutting out Kansas City in the first half and winning 40–22.
Veteran defensive end Brandon Graham expressed his happiness that he didn’t have to endure a thrilling game. It’s all about us being tough. We will remain gritted.
Earlier this week, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and other city officials urged the team’s boisterous supporters to maintain their safety and the joyous atmosphere.
“We don’t want it to be overlooked in the midst of all this beauty and all the sacrifices this team has made to reach this moment,” the mayor stated.
Some fans defied her warnings by scaling light poles, dancing atop port-a-potties, and standing on city vehicles.
On Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, in Philadelphia, players and coaches rejoice during the Philadelphia Eagles’ NFL football Super Bowl 59 parade and celebration. (Photo by Matt Slocum/AP)
A few weeks earlier, following the Eagles’ victory in the NFC championship game, a college student lost his life after falling from a street pole. One person was killed and almost two dozen were injured in a shooting that occurred during Kansas City’s Super Bowl victory rally a year ago.
The Philadelphia parade route, which ran from South Philadelphia, the home of the Eagles, to City Hall and the art museum, was well guarded by police.
Many of the minor streets along the road were blocked by dump trucks and other heavy machinery. In addition to the courts and other offices, public schools also shuttered for the march.
— John Seewer and Maryclaire Dale | Associated Press
— From Toledo, Ohio, Seewer provided a report. Contributions were made by Associated Press reporters Steve Megargee in Milwaukee and Matt Rourke in Philadelphia.
