Every Sunday in households across the United States, families gather around the television to watch the most popular sport in the country: football.
It has become like a religion for those who watch football from home and enjoy the spectacle in person. Tailgates, barbeques, and cookouts have become ritualistic routines that unite families and friends as they prepare to see their favorite team play. Fans display their passion by wearing the jerseys of their favorite players or sharing the history of their favorite franchises.
The Philadelphia Eagles may have fans who are more passionate than them all, and for good reason. Founded in 1933, the Eagles have boasted some of the greatest players in NFL history to go along with four championship titles. They won three NFL championships before the NFL-AFL merger, but the Super Bowl remained elusive for decades until they finally captured the crown jewel of the NFL in Super Bowl 52. Eagle fans have a reputation for being some of the toughest fans in the country, so it’s fitting that the greatest Eagle players of all time were some of the most physical players in NFL history, such as Brian Dawkins, Chuck Bednarik, and Reggie White.
But Philadelphia’s love for football did not start with the Eagles. The Frankford Yellow Jackets were officially the first NFL team to play in Philadelphia, and this team based out of a lower Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood brought in thousands of fans per game while being covered internationally.
On display through November, just to the left of the entrance of the Social Science and History Department in Parkway Central Library, is an exhibit celebrating the greatest Eagle players of all time, their greatest seasons, and their title wins before their Super Bowl victory. Learn how these key moments and players built the city’s love for football.
To learn more about the Eagles and football in Philadelphia, check out these materials in our catalog:
Tales from the Philadelphia Eagles Sideline: A Collection of the Greatest Eagles Stories Ever Told (2011) by Gordon Forbes
Even in their worst of seasons, the Philadelphia Eagles maintained their tradition of toughness, thanks to great players — legends like Chuck Bednarik and Steve Van Buren to modern-day heroes. In Tales from the Philadelphia Eagles Sideline, veteran football writer Gordon Forbes profiles the individuals who have thrilled Philadelphia fans since the team's inception in 1933 through Andy Reid's perennial championship contenders.
The Philadelphia Eagles: Images of Sports (2021) by Brian Michael
The history of the Philadelphia Eagles spans multiple championships, many more near misses, and a cast of characters both on and off the field. The passion of the game has flowed through the veins of generations of Philadelphians, and this book details the history of the Eagles from a unique fan perspective.
Fearless: How an Underdog Becomes a Champion (2019) by Doug Pederson
How does an underdog become a champion? One of the most innovative, gutsy, and dynamic head coaches in the NFL reveals the strategies behind building the Eagles team that shocked the world by winning the Super Bowl.
The 50 Greatest Players in Philadelphia Eagles History (2019) by Robert W. Cohen
The 50 Greatest Players in Philadelphia Eagles History examines the careers of the 50 men who made the greatest impact on the Philadelphia Eagles, including summaries of each player's greatest season, most memorable performances, and most notable achievements, with photos throughout.
1960 Philadelphia Eagles: The Team That They Said Had Nothing but a Championship (2001) by Robert Gordon
Football history smudges out 1960 as downtime between golden ages. Unitas' Colts of 1958 and 1959 thrust football into the national consciousness with their sudden-death, Nielsen-friendly championship drama. Lombardi's 1960s dynasty, a litany of legends, kicked off the Super Bowl era. Wedged in between were the 1960 Philadelphia Eagles, unfairly dismissed as the team with nothing but a championship. This book chronicles that team, which had so much more than a championship; it was a team that had grit, heart, and old-time characters who compensated for their lack of glitz with a remarkable group dynamic, and a leader who transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Philadelphia Eagles: Where Have You Gone? (2015) by Fran Zimniuch
Next to family and country, there is little else more important to the typical resident of the Delaware Valley than their Philadelphia Eagles. These rabid fans will brave an Arctic freeze, a tumultuous downpour, or a sweltering August night to watch their Eagles fly. The players have never been mere numbers to the faithful, but more like members of their extended families. Eagles: Where Have You Gone? takes an informative stroll down memory lane and includes many of the players who have made being an Eagles fan so much fun in Philadelphia. From Norm Van Brocklin to Jeff Kemp, Wilbert Montgomery to Cyril Pinder, Jim Skaggs to Guy Morris, Don Hultz to Tim Rossovich, the book looks not only at the playing careers of many former Birds, but also their lives after their playing days ended. Many former players have stayed in the game at some level and enjoyed coaching. Many fans, however, do not know which former Eagles player later became an NFL official, which former defensive standout became a salmon fisherman, which wide receiver became a respected judge, or which player now operates hospital-based centers treating sleep apnea. Trivia buffs will also be challenged to name the former Eagle who owns the NFL record for opponents' fumble recoveries in one season with nine. Local icons such as Chuck Bednarik, Tom Brookshier, and Ron Jaworski have remained in the spotlight years after their playing days ended. But Eagles: Where Have You Gone? Tells fans about what happened to players like Pete Liske, Leroy Keyes, and Super Bill Bradley, all Philly favorites. It also answers questions about whether or not Tony Franklin found his other shoe or if Happy Feller is a happy fellow these days. The book goes beyond the helmet and shoulder pads and takes a look at the human side of these former guardians of the gridiron.
The Big 50 - Philadelphia Eagles: The Men and Moments That Made The Philadelphia Eagles (2016) by Mark Eckel
The Big 50: Philadelphia Eagles: The Men and Moments that Made the Philadelphia Eagles is an amazing, full-color look at the 50 men and moments that made the Eagles the Eagles. Experienced sportswriter Mark Eckel recounts the living history of the Eagles, counting down from number 50 to number 1.
Game of My Life - Philadelphia Eagles: Memorable Stories of Eagles Football (2013) by Bob Gordon
Relive the greatest moments in Eagles football.
Have a question for Free Library staff? Please submit it to our Ask a Librarian page and receive a response within two business days.