Be Grateful, stay Proud!

I was really impressed by the response given to the recent article on Yardbarker.com by 'J' titled 'Open Letter to Donovan McNabb'. The topic of fan critisism really got me thinking about the perceptions that surround the fans of the Philadelphia Eagles.

I was not 'born into the family' like the author of that article was, but I made a CHOICE to support these Eagles. Being an outsider and from a totally different continent, I probably have a different view on this whole situation. But the fact that I made that choice to bleed Eagle green, shows that there is an intangable allure that comes with being an Eagles supporter. I would even venture as far as saying that there are certain traits that identify someone as an Eagles fan (just like there are probably traits that identify someone as a fan of another team as well).

Unfortunately, I have also seen the side of Philly sports that seems to be sent out to the rest of the world. Even in South Africa I am immediatly put into the Eagles' supporter's box, and I am percieved to be impatient, angry and generally just ungrateful. People also beleive that as an Eagles' fan I somehow HATE MY OWN team. This shows just how mistaken people outside 'the family' are, because I have never experienced any sense of pride that rivals the pride of the Eagles. But the perception does have some degree of truth - there are Philly people out there that send out this distorted image. But as Donovan also concedes - they are in the minority, and the majority of fans really support him and the rest of the team.

Eagles fans have a very unique identity. They are the proudest fans in football, and they love this team. But I do have to tell you how fortunate you are to truly be a part of this team. I will probably never get the chance to see the Eagles at the Linc, I don't know if I will ever even see Philadelphia. People like Brian Dawkins, Brian Westbrook and Donovan McNabb will always just be an image on the television, and never truly become human beings to me, because I will never experience what it is like to watch them in action in Philly. I would probably sell my soul to be able to just once in my life tailgate, watch the game, and actually see my heroes in the flesh. So never forget that you are very fortunate to be a part of that city and of this team. It is a privaledge that not everyone has (I only got to see four Eagles games this season on a disgusting rip-off channel of ESPN). So please guys, I am going to beg you pretty soon, please keep the faith in the Eagles. Please support Donovan and the team, because these guys give everything that they have. And please, please, please...Put some pressure on the front office to get us a decent WR!