PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Even without the Eagles in this year’s Super Bowl, fans gathered in Philadelphia this weekend to celebrate a defining moment in team history.
ESPN hosted “Philly Phanfest” to mark the premiere of its new 30 for 30 documentary, highlighting the Eagles’ famed trick play from Super Bowl LII known as the Philly Special.
For many fans, the memory remains unforgettable.
READ MORE | ‘The Philly Special’ unveiled as newest ESPN ’30 for 30′ documentary
“Anything Birds, I’m there, so yeah, I can’t wait to see the 30 for 30,” said Janeen Hayes of Mount Airy.
Eric Emanuel of Clinton, N.J., recalled the team’s crucial decision on the field.
“I remember Nick going to the huddle and saying, ‘Doug, take the points.’ Thank God they didn’t take the points cause it’s the most iconic play in Super Bowl history,” he said.
“The Philly Special” tells the full story behind the trick play that helped lead Philadelphia to its first Super Bowl victory in 2018, defeating the New England Patriots.
Co-director Shannon Furman, a New Jersey native and lifelong Eagles fan, said the film also showcases Philadelphia’s culture.
“The best part is when you really get into the details of how the whole play evolved and the little intricacies that people might not know, like Nick called it the wrong way and why that may have happened,” Furman said.
Marquis Daisy, ESPN Films senior director and producer, said, “The fan base here is just super amazing and just so supportive of the team.”
Fans at the event reflected on the moment that cemented itself in team history.
“Foles made an amazing catch, spiked the ball afterwards, and all of us started cheering,” said Todd Himmelreich of Mount Laurel.
Attendees were joined by team mascot Swoop, Eagles cheerleaders, and in-stadium DJ Diamond Kuts. The atmosphere, fans said, felt familiar.
“This feels like a tailgate, like a Philly tailgate, and we should be tailgating on Super Bowl Sunday. Unfortunately, we’re not, but it’s good to be around all these Eagles fans,” Emanuel said.
Event organizers said viewers can expect appearances in the documentary from several figures central to the play itself, including Nick Foles, Doug Pederson, Jason Kelce, Corey Clement, and Trey Burton, along with superfan Gillie.
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