Posted on 01/24/2005 6:26:36 AM PST by Dr. Scarpetta
The Eagles' faithful suffered through three consecutive losses in the conference championship game, and when their football team made it to the Super Bowl on Sunday for the first time in more than 20 years, they erupted in joy.
"I've been to all the championship games, and this, I can't explain," said Easton resident Felipe Garcia as he sniffed back tears. "It's priceless. We deserve it."
Garcia was one of about 200 Lehigh Valley residents who rode one of four Trans Bridge Lines buses to the landmark game at Lincoln Financial Field.
"This was history today," said Jack Trimble of Bethlehem Township. "It was long overdue."
Fans counted down the seconds as the game clock expired to a thunderous cheer. Strangers high-fived outside the stadium as cars blared their horns.
Bethlehem Township resident Pat Wagner was there. He hasn't missed a game in the past four years.
"Finally, we won something," Wagner said. "It was awesome. There isn't much else to say."
Snowfall from the previous day and a half didn't affect the bus tour. The group traveled in style. One busload consumed six pizzas and an unspecified number of cases of beer while watching a DVD of Super Bowl highlights.
Wagner is following the Eagles to Jacksonville, but he won't be traveling quite as luxuriously. He will be one of 40 people crammed into two recreational vehicles.
"It only sleeps about five, so I'll be sleeping on the kitchen counter," Wagner said. "Go Birds!"
Wagner's sister, Julie, was "sick as a dog" but braved the frigid temperatures and made the trip.
"I'm proud of them," Julie Wagner said of the Eagles. "Finally, they broke the curse, or whatever it was."
Fans wore layers of clothing to brace themselves from the fierce winds and low temperature.
"It was very cold, but the energy kept us warm," said Scott Wolbach of Walnutport. His 9-year-old son stood on his seat for the entire game and postgame celebration.
"There was all kinds of fireworks and confetti flying around," Scott Wolbach said.
What a change from the past two years.
"I didn't eat solid food for a week the first year," said Denny Snyder of Macungie, who was referring to his diet after the Eagles lost the NFC Championship Game to Tampa Bay in 2003.
Garcia said he was offered $1,000 for his pair of tickets, but he turned down the offer and has no regrets. The longtime fan in the green and white wig said he's going to frame one of the ticket stubs and hang it on the wall in his garage.
"I cried at halftime," Garcia said. "I cried at the end of the game. I had a great feeling inside me that they were going to win this game."
Headline should read:
"Philadelphia Eagles and their fans have a date with dynasty."
Watching football is certainly a lot of fun and entertaining - but is 22 men chasing an oblong ball up and down a field really worth all this?
Eagles'Ping
"but is 22 men chasing an oblong ball up and down a field really worth all this?"
I'd do it for their salary.
yea to lose to NE
Patriots dance on bald eagles 31-10.
The worst part for this Giants fan is that we could have had Trotter and Acorsi thought he was done (not that it would have made a difference).
super bowl bump
And it a damn shame that the Steelers didn't even bother to show up for last nights game!
I'm ecstatic that the team finally busted down the door to the Super Bowl!
However, I feel for the veterans that helped build the franchise that are were not part of the team this year; Duce Staley, Troy Vincent, and Bobby Taylor.
They will forever be Eagles in my heart of hearts.
Eagles' Ping!
Correction:
Philadelphia Eagles and their Fans Had Have a Date with Destiny an ass-whuppin'.
Destined to lose to the pats.
I have come up with the Freerepublic windbag law. The Eagles chances of winning are inversely proportional to the number of winbags on FR who insist that they won't win.
"Watching football is certainly a lot of fun and entertaining - but is 22 men chasing an oblong ball up and down a field really worth all this?"
Yes - yes it is worth it. you obviously are not a sports fan.
A well-deserved ping to the Philadelphia Eagles!
WHAT!?!?!? Heretic! Apostate!
For your punishment you must shave a perfect likeness of Tom Brady into the side of your head!
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