Philadelphia Goes Green on Valentine’s Day to Honor Super Bowl Champions

PHILADELPHIA—On Valentine’s Day, Philadelphia was filled with green to honor its Super Bowl champions.

Excited fans shouted and celebrated on Friday as MVP quarterback Jalen Hurts and Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie proudly lifted the Vince Lombardi Trophy at the kickoff of the team’s victory parade through the City of Brotherly Love.

Many supporters camped out along the parade route overnight, wrapped in blankets or tucked inside tents to secure ideal viewing spots near the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where the Eagles took the stage on the iconic “Rocky” steps.

“I promised myself that I wouldn’t come to the Rocky steps until I had won a championship,” Hurts declared to the roaring crowd. “And now we’re here.”

Fans donned in Eagles jerseys climbed trees and light poles while others steadied themselves on ladders, vying for a view of record-setting running back Saquon Barkley and Cooper DeJean, the rookie defensive back who scored a pick-six on his 22nd birthday.

“This team is extraordinary. We can’t achieve greatness without the incredible support from our fans,” noted head coach Nick Sirianni.

Barkley and several teammates jumped off the open-top buses to stroll along the parade route, exchanging high-fives with fans leaning against shaky barricades.

Jordan Jaindl, who missed the 2018 parade after the Eagles’ first Super Bowl victory, wasn’t going to let this chance slip by, bringing his wife and three daughters from Binghamton, New York. He said this team represents the spirit of the city.

“Their work ethic, how they fight for every victory. We embody that grind here in Philly,” he remarked.

Fans arrived with grocery carts full of food and drinks, while some opted to stay warm in hotels with champagne. One group even roasted a pig, the number “15” carved into its side—a playful jab at Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Despite being underdogs, the Eagles dominated the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, leading 40-22 after a strong start that left the Chiefs scoreless in the first half.

“I’m thrilled you didn’t have to endure a nail-biter,” veteran defensive end Brandon Graham expressed. “It’s all about our grit. We will continue to be gritty.”

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and other leaders earlier this week urged the spirited fans to remain safe and keep the celebration joyful.

“Amid all this excitement and the sacrifices this team has made to reach this moment, we want to ensure it all remains positive,” the mayor emphasized.

However, police reported two women were shot in the legs Friday during a dispute near the parade; details surrounding the incident and its relevance to the celebration remain unclear.

Just weeks prior, a college student tragically fell from a street pole after an Eagles NFC championship game win. A year ago, a shooting at the Super Bowl victory rally in Kansas City left one dead and many injured.

A significant police presence was established along the Philadelphia parade route, which stretched from South Philadelphia to City Hall and up to the art museum.

Many side streets along the route were blocked by dump trucks and heavy equipment. City schools, courts, and other agencies were closed in observance of the parade.

By Maryclaire Dale and John Seewer