Super Bowl week is here and I couldn’t be more excited about this Sunday. After the conference championships, there were a lot of fans around the NFL saying they wanted to “boycott” the game, or that they didn’t want to cheer for either team, for multiple reasons. As an outsider, I understand if you think Eagles fans are terrible people. As an Eagles fan, I can promise you that 90% of the fans are not like the extreme cases you saw on social media. If that’s the reason you don’t want the Eagles to win, that’s fine, but how about I give you multiple reasons to cheer for this team?

HC Nick Sirianni: Nick Sirianni has been a polarizing figure in the NFL. He comes off as cocky, unprofessional, etc. I get that, that is frustrating as an opposing team and you have every reason to cheer against him, but he’s the definition of an underdog story. Sirianni was a questionable hire when he got the job in 2021, his first interview was awful, and he was terrible as a player caller in his first year. You know what he did? He made a speech about flowers to motivate his team, gave up playcalling, and the rest is history. Fans wanted him fired after last year(and rightfully so), they wanted him gone after the Eagles started 2-2, and after the bye, it was revealed he had tough conversations and reflected. Sirianni is a guy who practices what he preaches to his players. He has completely rebuilt the culture of this team after he lost the locker room last year. Now, the players love him and most of the fans feel the same.

DC Vic Fangio: Did you know Patrick Mahomes is 8-0 against Vic Fangio? You’ve probably heard that a few times. But did you see how the Miami players reacted to Fangio leaving the Dolphins? They made it seem like Fangio was this grumpy old man who was stuck in his ways and unlikable. The team in Philly loves Fangio. He’s intense, sure but he’s proven he can win. He’s fighting that 0-8 record on Sunday, but this time he has a better offense backing his defense.

QB Jalen Hurts: He was benched at Alabama for Tua Tagovailoa because he couldn’t pass the ball. Tua eventually went down and Hurts came in and won the SEC championship by throwing the ball. His whole NFL career he’s been doubted. When he was drafted most fans didn’t agree with the pick. He’s been criticized constantly and for what? Because he hasn’t passed the ball as much as other QBs? He wins football games, and I guarantee the criticism will continue if the Eagles win on Sunday. This guy has every reason to get down, but he answers the call every time.

RB Saquon Barkley: When the Eagles signed him fans were excited. The doubters said he will get hurt, he’s too old, why are the Eagles paying a 27-year-old RB? Now he has the opportunity to break the single-season rushing record (reg season & Postseason) and most importantly, win the Super Bowl. If you’ve ever watched a Saquon press conference you’ll learn he is one of the most humble and kind human beings you’ll ever see. He’s selfless and that’s rare when it comes to someone with as much talent as him. He could have chased records and put his team at risk for injury when it wasn’t necessary, but he didn’t. He chose the long game. the Super Bowl. He spent the majority of his career on a Giants team that did nothing to give him a chance to be successful. Now he’s on a team that wants to win badly. Saquon deserves this, go win it all.

WR A.J. Brown: The Tennessee Titans decided one day they didn’t want him. He is one of the best WRs in the league and he doesn’t get the credit he deserves. He’s been labeled a diva by some, and last year he didn’t help his case with some of the things he said. He’s done a complete 180 this year. He is a leader in the locker room, and I see someone who wants to better himself as a human. He’s on the sidelines reading inspirational books to better himself. He’s a great guy to have in the locker room. Most receivers are complaining that they aren’t getting the ball and causing distractions if they were part of this offense, Brown has embraced his role and has played his tail off all year long. When his number is called on to make a play in the passing game, he answers. If he is called upon to make blocks in the run game, he answers.

WR DeVonta Smith: He’s too small, he won’t survive the hits in the NFL. He’s been such a great player in the NFL. He’s been a physical runner after the catch and continues to make plays at the NFL level. Now he’s playing in the Super Bowl near his hometown and has a chance to win in front of his friends and family.

TE Dallas Goedert: He’s been labeled as injury-prone, and to be fair, he has been hurt often, but he’s come along this postseason. He’s turned into a safe option for Jalen Hurts. Goedert deserves this.

OL Jordan Mailata: A 7th round pick in 2018 with no football experience is now one of the best tackles in football. He’s a captain on this team and is just an all-around good guy.

OL Landon Dickerson: He put his body on the line in the NFC championship game. He started the game at C for injured Cam Jurgens, a position he hasn’t played since college. He hurt his knee early on and gutted it out until halftime. We won’t win that game without him.

OL Cam Jurgens: Imagine being Cam Jurgens, having to replace the legendary Jason Kelce. The pressure had to have been high for him and he’s excelled in every way this year. He was dealing with a back issue that knocked him out of the starting lineup in the championship game, however, when Dickerson started showing signs of pain, Jurgens was ready to take his place. Playing OL with a back injury is a tough task and Cam Jurgens is one tough kid.

OL Mekhi Becton: A first-round bust some would say. Becton immediately revived his career by coming to Philly. The way he talks about Jeff Stoutland and how much confidence he has now is all thanks to the coach. He was kicked inside to guard, a position he hasn’t played and has been pretty good. To see the emotions Becton got just for making the playoffs was one thing, now he’s in the Super Bowl ready to prove everyone wrong. I hope the kid finishes the season on top.

OL Lane Johnson: An Eagles legend. Even this late into his career, Johnson is still one of the best tackles in football. His story’s about depression and anxiety and the bond he has with his teammates is special.

EDGE Brandon Graham: Where do we ever start with BG? He’s been an Eagle for 15 years, and his career couldn’t have started any worse. Fast forward to February 2018, and he forever cemented himself into Eagles history with the strip sack on Tom Brady that essentially won the first Super Bowl ever for the Eagles. Fans love him, the coaches love him, and his teammates love him. He started this season off knowing this was going to be his last season. We didn’t expect too much out of him, but he had solid production this year in an expanded role that he probably didn’t expect. Unfortunately was injured in the regular season against the Rams with a torn triceps. It was supposed to be season-ending. Now it seems like he’s going to have one more game in the Super Bowl, where he could finish his career on top. He’s deciding that he doesn’t care if he re-tears it, this is it for him. If he could somehow make a big play to help the Eagles win, that would be the perfect storybook ending for the Eagles legend.

EDGE Nolan Smith Jr.: People had already written of Nolan Smith Jr. after just one season. That was a huge mistake. Once Brandon Graham went out with what we thought was a season-ending injury, Smith Jr. stepped up in a big way, becoming one of the better players this postseason. He has 4.5 sacks this postseason and 10.5 over 15 games. He’s becoming a star right in front of us.

DT Jordan Davis: One of the most likable guys on the team that’s been the face of criticism. The Eagles probably reached for him in the draft, but Davis plays his role well. He’s got himself into better shape and became a more serious player. He’s going to do big things by the time he’s done with his career.

LB Zack Baun: A former Saints player that didn’t get much playing time in New Orleans is going back to the city that drafted him as a first team All-Pro LB. It’s a great story, nobody had any expectations for him once the signing was announced but Vic Fangio saw something none of us had seen. Baun is such a special player, he deserves every bit of love he’s received.

LB Oren Burks: A redemption story. After Dre Greenlaw went down last year for the 49ers, Oren Burks had to step up and try to stop Travis Kelce, he, unfortunately, had one of the worst games you could have in the Super Bowl. Now on a new team, he didn’t expect to play but with an injury to LB Nakobe Dean, he will get the chance to get his revenge against the Chiefs. At times, Burks has been sloppy with tackling, but he’s physical and has made some huge plays this postseason. To prove them wrong.

CB Big Play Slay: Slay was someone I have had a love/hate relationship with, but if it’s his last ride with the Eagles, I hope he gets his ring. Slay is 34 years old playing corner at an almost elite level. That’s just unheard of. He was one of the first corners to get the Eagles out of the “dark age “ of cornerback play.

CB Quinyon Mitchell: He should have been defensive ROTY, but that’s okay. Mitchell came from a MAC school and some people thought he wouldn’t be able to keep up with NFL talent. Instead, he is already one of the best corners in the NFL. He’s been the best CB in the postseason, the future is bright.

CB Cooper DeJean: Who would have thought that two rookie corners would help completely change the Eagles defense. DeJean has been out of this world this year, just go look at some highlights. Not many rookies get to make as big of an impact as DeJean has, I mean look at how much better the run defense and tackling has been since Coop has entered the lineup.

S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson: CJGJ is one of my favorite Eagles of all time. Do you know why? He plays with so much fire, and so much passion, and people look at it negatively. Sure he may get a penalty from time to time but he is what every team needs. He talks a lot and backs it up. There have been so many times this year where he’s made a big play meeting an RB in the hole and shutting down a play. Did I mention he was drafted by New Orleans? He wants to win and I want it for him. He’s been a leader and changed his outlook from the first stint. I’m proud of him.

S Reed Blankenship: An undrafted free agent that has become one of the most reliable players on the roster. You got to love the kid. He is always making a diving interception in big moments and it wouldn’t surprise me if it happens on the NFL’s biggest stage.

There are countless reasons to root for these players beyond just the team they represent. They’re not just athletes they’re individuals with stories of perseverance, redemption, and heart. If you can’t find it in yourself to cheer for the Eagles as a whole, then cheer for the men who have worked tirelessly to get here. Cheer for their journeys, their sacrifices, and their moments of triumph.

Because at the end of the day, football is more than rivalries and wins, it’s about the people who play it. So, this Sunday, even if you can’t say Go Birds, maybe you can cheer these guys on.