Around the Block: 2/21/25

2/21/25

Witty takes, can't-miss Philly updates, insider info, and curated listings - by Jeff "City" Block

Super Bowl Champion Wind Down

Jeff & Ezra at the parade -- Broad and Mifflin

Dear Readers,

Wow. What an awe-inspiring 2024 Eagles Season. I feel even that description is an understatement.

Here are some musings to wind down this spectacular run—

1. This time around was much more fun than 2017--both the playoff run and the parade. And I was at Super Bowl LII!! In 2017, the Eagles had never won a Super Bowl. That feeling of being a zero Super Bowl team after 51 years really created a lot of pressure. Cowboys, Giants, and Washington Football Team fans could all tell the old joke, “How can you tell if a Super Bowl Ring is counterfeit? If it has an Eagles logo on it.” Sad, right?  Well, I cried that night in Minneapolis when we finally broke the ice. But leading up to that final moment, when Tom Brady’s Hail Mary hit the end zone turf—harmlessly incomplete—as the clock struck 0:00, I was sick with anxiety. The pressure was enormous. And when it deflated, there was an overall numbness to counterbalance the joy.

Also, the 2018 parade was awesome, but I feel we could not simply relax and really enjoy and celebrate as Super Bowl Champions. Like we were tentative because we had never been there before. This year, it was clear that our franchise and city had been there before. There is always pressure to win the Big Game, as you never know if you will get back, but nothing is like that first time.

This year, it was just go out and win, and that is what we did. And the parade was a totally different vibe. Super Bowl LII Parade—Relief, disbelief, and joy. This year’s LIX Parade—100% JOY.

2. Another big difference this time around. What a good old-fashioned beatdown. The Eagles throttled the Chiefs and the game was never doubted. No pressure. No worry. Dump the Gatorade before the Two-Minute Warning. That is my kind of Super Bowl!

3. Last off-season (and during this past season), some fans and pundits called for the firing of Nick Sirianni. Many said that Jalen Hurts was not even in the Top 10 QBs in the league. Well, Sirianni is the Eagle's GOAT coach, and Hurts is the GOAT QB. My previous GOATS were Doug Pederson and Nick Foles. If you do not agree with my Eagles GOAT selections, please let me know who you would pick instead.

4. Not until the Birds won the Superbowl this year did I remember that James Bradberry was still on the team. Good for him. After the fact, it was reported that even though he was hurt and did not play all season, he was a great teammate throughout. Keep in mind that if he had not been injured, he probably would have been outright cut. I am glad he got a ring.

5. Goes without saying that Lurie is a superb owner and Roseman a stellar GM.

6. By the way, I wonder when the Cowboys won their last Super Bowl?  Oh, right, the 1995 season. Well, at least they won it 30 years ago. The Washington franchise last won it in the 1991 season. And kudos to the NY Giants, who at least won this millennium—13 years ago, to be exact. The Eagles have now won two Super Bowls in the past seven years. GO BIRDS!

7. The Birds are the current favorites to win Super Bowl LX.

8. Finally, are the 2024 Eagles the greatest Philly team of all time? Hmmm. Sounds like a good discussion for a future ATB…

In sum, what a great year, and it is also nice to get back to “normal,” if you know what I mean.

Now, onto the Fightins’!

Have a great weekend.

Warm regards,

Jeff

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Know Someone Looking to Buy or Sell?

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Be assured, I will do my best to exceed their expectations! Thanks for taking the time to read this issue of Around the Block.

GO BIRDS!!

Some imagery in this e-newsletter was sourced via visitphilly.com, Philly Voice (Photographer Thom Carroll), and Canva.