Eagles follow coach’s plan, stay inside for Super Bowl banner ceremony

PHILADELPHIA — Nick Sirianni had no reason to lead anybody astray earlier this week when he said the Philadelphia Eagles would not be watching the Super Bowl 59 banner ceremony Thursday at Lincoln Financial Field.

Indeed, the defending champions were not present on the field during the four-minute ceremony. Owner Jeffrey Lurie and former defensive lineman Brandon Graham carried the team’s two Lombardi Trophies onto the field following a stadium lights show as the sold-out crowd, already seated, went wild. The black covering that blocked the banner came down and ‘2024 World Champions’ was displayed for all to see.

Two replica (giant) Lombardis were rolled onto the field for the ceremony and the Eagles’ (many) highlights from that evening played. Graham called Lurie ‘the best owner in sports’ and led the stadium into a spirited rendition of ‘Fly Eagles Fly.’

Eagles superfan and ‘It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia’ star and creator Rob Mac introduced the Eagles as the defending champs took the field.

Philadelphia throttled the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in the Super Bowl in New Orleans; quarterback Jalen Hurts was named the game’s MVP.