Isaac Sahle traveled from Maryland for the Eagles parade in Philadelphia on Friday, Feb. 14 to celebrate the team’s Super Bowl LIX 40-22 victory against the Kansas City Chiefs.
“I’m die-hard Philly,” Sahle said. He camped out on Thursday night for a chance to see his beloved Birds up close and personal.
His efforts paid off. This Valentine’s Day, Sahle’s lock screen on his cell phone went from a photograph of his longtime girlfriend to a fresh photograph of himself with Saquon Barkley, a fan-favorite running back for the Eagles who greeted fans along the route.
Nolan Smith, a linebacker for the team, even chugged Sahle’s Twisted Tea while greeting fans piled up at the barricades.
“That’s my boy,” Sahle said. “Shout out Nolan.”
Khalil Reed of Upper Darby also arrived in Philadelphia on Thursday night. At the parade, Reed sported a patriotic outfit, inspired by Samuel L. Jackson’s performance as Uncle Sam during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show.
When asked how he prepared for the parade, Reed simply said, “I’m wearing the same jawn that Samuel L. Jackson got on, that’s how I prepared.” Reed donned a tall, patriotic-themed top hat similar to Jackson’s, that read “Go Birds” among the stars.
Sahle and Reed are only two of many who arrived hours before the parade was set to begin. Before 9 a.m., thousands of fans were flooding the streets of Philadelphia. Jumbotrons across the city played a rerun of Super Bowl LIX, showcasing the Eagles’ dominant win against the Chiefs. Fans cheered once again as they watched cornerback Cooper DeJean intercept quarterback Patrick Mahomes’s pass for a legendary touchdown.
After the parade kicked off in South Philadelphia around 11 a.m., the Eagles began their 5-mile-long route to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Fans along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway were seen climbing trees, tossing tennis balls back and forth between the streets, and shotgunning beers with their friends.
Many enthusiastic fans held signs and totems in support of their favorite team and players. One sign read “WE GOT OUR LIX BACK,” a reference to the Eagles’ comeback after their narrow loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII.
Adrenaline stayed high among the crowd as music played through massive speakers, from Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the U.S.A.” to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” However, nothing compared to the moment “Dreams and Nightmares” by Meek Mill – an iconic Philly anthem – came on. People in the crowd began recording on their cell phones like it was a live concert.
Once the team arrived on the steps of the museum, the Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts gave Eagles fans a heartfelt speech. “We can’t do it without the fans,” he said. “We all appreciate you, we love you.”
There were over a million people in attendance. For Reed, the highlight of his day was bringing his little sister to the parade and being surrounded by his close friends.
“It’s a great experience down here,” he said. “Seeing all these Eagles fans out here in their green, white, and black. It’s a great experience.”
