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Declaring that every Friday before a game by the Philadelphia Eagles shall be known as “Eagles Friday,” and encouraging celebration of the occasion with expressions of pride in the defending Super Bowl champions, such as wearing green or Eagles-themed clothing.
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WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Eagles are the source of tremendous pride for their millions of fans across Philadelphia and across the world; and
WHEREAS, On the field, the team reached the pinnacle of football excellence last season by winning Super Bowl LII. Despite losing their franchise quarterback, Carson Wentz, late in the season, the Eagles rallied behind backup quarterback Nick Foles. Ultimately, they defeated the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, avenging their heartbreaking 2005 loss to the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX; and
WHEREAS, Off the field, the team has stood out for its leadership on issues of civil rights and social justice. Notably, Malcolm Jenkins has emerged as a prominent champion of criminal justice reform, partnering with organizations like the ACLU on advocacy, and bringing likeminded peers together through the NFL Players Coalition. Meanwhile, Chris Long donated his entire 2017 salary and a portion of his 2018 salary to charitable causes, with a focus on literacy and educational opportunities. Several other players, including Rodney McLeod and Torrey Smith, as well as team owner Jeffrey Lurie, have joined in this advocacy work; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphians’ collective pride in the Eagles provides a unifying common ground, on which citizens from all walks of life can come together despite their differences; and
WHEREAS, Several fanbases have adapted the custom of casual Fridays during football season. Accordingly, fans don their teams’ colors and regalia at school, work, and beyond, in order to share and build excitement for that week’s game. While serving as governor of Maryland, Martin O’Malley went so far as to declare an official "Purple Friday" for state workers; and
WHEREAS, Such an occasion to celebrate Philadelphians’ collective appreciation of the Eagles promises to further elevate Philadelphia’s civic pride and goodwill; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby declares that every Friday before a game by the Philadelphia Eagles shall be known as “Eagles Friday,” and encouraging celebration of the occasion with expressions of pride in the Super Bowl champions, such as wearing green or Eagles-themed clothing.
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