An Open Invitation to support the Eagles

If you're reading this, then you fall into 1 of 4 categories:

1. You're an NFL fan and support a team.
2. You're an NFL fan, but don't support a team
3. You're an NFL fan who casual follows a team, but has no real passion for them.
4. You don't follow the NFL, and are reading this because either you stumbled upon it, you're a friend/family member, you read any old crap on the net or you're my stalker.

If you're in category 2 or 3, then I think your NFL viewing experience would be enhanced by throwing your support fully behind a team.  Going through the highs and lows of being a fan is the best aspect of following a sport.  To be a neutral, is to miss out on this excitement.

I support the Philadelphia Eagles, and if you're in the market for a team to support, I think they could be the team for you as well.
But why the Eagles? There are 31 other perfectly good franchises int he NFL, what's so special about Philadelphia?  Luckily, that's a very easy question to answer and there are many reasons why you should support the Eagles:

The best place to start is with the actual team.  The Eagles are in a great position, currently 4th favourites with the bookies for next season's Superbowl.  They have built a highly competitive team, full of star names and young, exciting talent.

On offence, they have one of the most dynamic QB's in the league in Michael Vick.  Vick is a reformed man after a spell behind bars, and everybody loves a good redemption story.  Alongside Vick, there's Lesean McCoy, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Macklin and Brent Celek amongst others. Plus Vick has one of the best Offensive lines in the league to protect him.  Expect the Eagles to rack up plenty of points this season.

On the other side of the ball, you've got a formidable front 4 in Trent Cole, Jason Babin, Cullen Jenkins and 1st round Draft pick Fletcher Cox.  Opposing QBs won't be looking forward to playing the Eagles this season. Behind them, is the Eagles big off season signing DeMeco Ryans.  Ryans is a Pro Bowl calibre Linebacker acquired from the Texans and will shore up a problematic area for Philadelphia.
At secondary, the Eagles have 2 elite performers in Nmandi Asumugha and Dominic Rogers-Cromartie, both are fast and aggressive Cornerbacks who are capable of making big plays on a regular basis.

The team won their final 4 games of the 2011 season, and if they can carry on that form they will be very hard to beat this season.

Away from the pitch, there are plenty more reasons to be an Eagles fan. Not least, there are the fans. The Eagles home stadium (the Linc) is always a sell out and reverberates to the noise created by the passionate fans.  The atmosphere can be extremely intimidating for the away team.  The fans are also quick to let the Eagles know when they are under-performing, so win or lose you can be guaranteed a fervent atmosphere.

The Eagles play in the NFC East, one of the strongest Divisions in football. However, the 2 other members of the Divisions are very dislikeable.  You've got the New York Giants  - support them and you'll be labelled a glory hunter.  The Dallas Cowboys - self proclaimed "America's Team", but in reality everybody else thinks they're annoying and self-important.  Finally, there are the Washington Redskins, who are just terrible.

If you're planning a trip top the US, then they are few places better tan the city of brotherly love. You can see the famous Liberty Bell or the Dead Sea Scrolls. Plus, how can you revisit a chance to run up the steps at the front of the Museum of Art - made famous by the Rocky films.

Of course, if you're reading this in the UK, you'll be supporting the Eagles from a long distance.  but don't worry, the Eagles have one of the best UK Fan Clubs (http://britisheagles.co.uk/) .  The British Eagles have grown at a rapid rate since they were founded last year.  Since becoming an Eagles fan, I have found the BE to be a great source of information and they are doing some great things to promote the Eagles in the UK.


There are a few other, some would say less important, factors to consider as well:
- The Eagles have one of the best jerseys in the NFL, Midnight Green is a great name for a colour.
- Their mascot is Swoop, he rides a quad bike.  Err, that's about all I can say about him.
- Celebrity fans include Will Smith, Matthew Fox (He was in Lost and a few rubbish films) and Ryan Phillippe (He was in Cruel Intentions and a few other rubbish films).
- Finally, I'm willing to buy a pint for any new Eagles fans!  I will dip into my pocket for a drink for anybody who becomes an Eagles fan after reading this.  You may have to wait until the international series to cash in your prize but i will honour my end of the bargain!

That's right, unashamed bribery.  That's how keen I am to recruit a new fan.  If you are considering becoming a new Eagles fan then let me know either in the comments below, via nfluk or on twitter.