Philadelphia Eagle Cleches

Philadelphia Eagle Cleches

The Philadelphia Eagles, unlikely winners of Superbowl 52 and NFL World Championship, coined a few clichés that deserve further reflection and can possibly be put to use in other aspects of our lives, other than sports.

After bouncing around the NFL and considering retirement, Eagles backup quarterback Nick Foles, the Superbowl Most Valuable Player, said a few good things other than of his faith in God and prayer. He said that people “shouldn’t be afraid to fail” – something that many people predicted he would do after replacing the quarterback who took the Eagles to an unprecedented season and got them in the playoffs.

Foles also said that it was important that he “stay in the moment,” and really appreciate all the good things that were happening – both during and after the game.

They used to say that about Alan Iverson, the Philadelphia Seventy Sixers basketball standout who, when he “was on,” would lead the team to the NBA finals, but alone, could never deliver that championship parade down Broad Street.

Then there’s coach Pederson, who came up with the play that will live forever, the Philly Special – a fourth down and one at the goal line, a flea flicker shotgun hike to the back, an undrafted free agent - who flips the ball to an end around – who happens to be a former college quarterback who throws the ball to the wide open Nick Foles in the end zone for the touchdown just before the end of the half.

Coach Peterson said that winning championships – is “the New Norm,” and that Philadelphia will become what New England was – a virtual dynasty of champions.

Then at the end of the parade at the big party – Eagles center – dressed as a genie in a mummer’s outfit – took over the microphone on Rocky’s Arts Museum steps and underlying the Eagle’s proud underdog status – at least as far as the Vegas bookies went – said that “Hungry dogs run faster!”

And indeed they do, or did on this day.

So in retrospect – we can take it all in and reflect on these cleches – “Don’t be afraid to fail,” – “Stay in the Moment,” – and remember “The Philly Special,” a play that will be suitable for sometime in our lives, and when you are hot, winning becomes “The New Norm,” and “ Hungry (Under) Dogs run faster!”, something to consider before placing your bet.

It should also be noted that the New Norm of winning may be contagious, as the Philadelphia Flyers and the Seventy Sixers have yet to lose since the Superbowl and are 14-0.