From Broad Street to the Boulevard, Philadelphia Eagles fans participated in boisterous celebrations as the Birds were crowned Super Bowl Champions Sunday night. The Eagles dominated the reigning champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, by a score of 40-22 to bring the Lombardi trophy back to Philadelphia. 

The Chiefs, an all too familiar foe, robbed Philadelphia of its second championship just two short years ago. Despite the bad blood between the teams, fans at Chickie’s and Pete’s were confident that the Eagles were going to win before the game even started. 

Junior Molly Cate Hill predicted a close game and selected Running Back Saquon Barkley as the game’s MVP.

“37-30, Eagles,” Hill said. “I’m ecstatic. It’s awesome. It’s gonna be our year, one hundred percent.”

Philadelphia fans were right in anticipating an Eagles victory, but as the night went on, it became more and more apparent just how decisive the game would be. 

After Jahan Dotson’s touchdown was overturned in the first quarter, the Eagles utilized their famous “tush push” play to secure the game’s first touchdown.

The crowd erupted into the Eagles fight song as the TVs displayed the song’s lyrics. The emphatic rendition finished with the customary “E-A-G-L-E-S” chant that would serve as the battle cry for the remainder of the night. Once the Eagles scored, fans felt more at ease.

“The touchdown was a relief, for sure. My stomach is turned upside down right now,” Hill said. “The more points, the better.” 

During the second quarter, Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean intercepted Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ throw and took it all the way to the endzone for an exhilarating touchdown. Fans lept from their seats and passionately waved their rally towels after the interception. Sunday’s game was DeJean’s 22nd birthday.

Nancy Bradley, a computing and informatics major, celebrated the interception by wishing DeJean a happy birthday.

“Happy Birthday Coop,” Bradley said. “I’m super excited. I put my lucky Philly Special hat on and was waiting for that play.” 

The Eagles headed into halftime with a commanding 24-0 lead. Eagles fans were happy that their team was winning but were surprised that the Birds were up by such a significant margin. 

While most fans at Chickie’s and Pete’s were there because they were Eagles fans or they wanted to be a part of the big moment, Francesca Marrano and Damiano Olivieri were watching their first major Philadelphia sporting event. Marrano and Olivieri moved from Italy to the South Jersey area last summer for work and wanted to learn more about the sport of football. 

“We would like to understand what the Super Bowl is for Americans,” Marrano said. “We don’t know the rules, but we appreciate the vibes and all of the support [for the Eagles]. We are very close to Philly, so for this reason, we support the Eagles.”

Olivieri reflected on the differences in sports between the two cultures.

“It’s incredible how all the American sports or events in general are a show. In Italy, we know that there is a Super Bowl,” Olivieri said. “We know that everybody plays in the middle of the game, like Lady Gaga, but nobody follows football.” 

Another pair of Eagles fans embarking on new beginnings at Rowan are freshmen Rashae Cheek and Alfreda Charley. The two have known each other since the 7th grade. 

Cheek, a lifelong Eagles fan, reflected on her upbringing as she described the impact the Eagles have had on her life. 

“When I was a kid, every time we had a family function, we always put football on. I was introduced to them [the Eagles] by sitting down and just watching them,” Cheek said. “I’m still learning about the game, but I definitely see the excitement and the enthusiasm from it. It feels great to grow up with that. I’m proud of them. It’s amazing.”

Charley was full of emotions as she reminisced about the last time the Eagles won the Super Bowl and compared it to Sunday’s win.

“It’s almost nostalgic. I was in sixth grade the last time they won,” Charley said. “It feels good to see them win again.” 

Following the game, a large group of students took to Rowan Boulevard to celebrate. “Go Birds” and “E-A-G-L-E-S” chants filled the air as cars honked their horns. Many students took photos and videos to commemorate where they were when the Eagles won. 

Freshman Will Johnson also reflected on the 2018 Super Bowl win but acknowledged the impact that Rowan had on Sunday’s game. 

“It feels beyond amazing that the Eagles were able to score another Super Bowl victory, especially against the much unloved Chiefs who needed to be knocked down a peg. I remember back in 2018 when they won the Super Bowl against the Patriots, but this time it felt so much more special,” Johnson said. “A part of that has to do with the community and mob here at Rowan that fully embodied the spirit of the Eagles. I’m so happy to be a part of that community… Rowan truly is one of the best.”

For comments/questions about this story DM us on Instagram @thewhitatrowan or email features@thewhitonline.com