Citi Field calls out Bryce Harper as 'secret Dallas Cowboys fan', fueling tensions with Phillies’ Eagles rivalry
Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Bryce Harper was called out by the scoreboard during the team's second game of the series with the New York Mets at Citi Field. The scoreboard shared a glorious fun fact about the Phillies superstar, raising a few eyebrows.
The scoreboard alleged the two-time NL MVP to be "secretly a Dallas Cowboys fan." For the uninitiated, the Cowboys are fierce rivals of the local NFL team, the Philadelphia Eagles.
While the fun fact seems like a mere joke by the Mets aimed at the superstar first baseman, there might be some truth to it. The eight-time All-Star shared his admiration for the Cowboys in an interview in December 2023.
"When I was a kid, I grew up mesmerized by the blue star on the silver helmet, all the glory and tradition of America's Team," Harper said. "I was a Cowboys fan."
However, Bryce Harper's admiration for the Cowboys didn't fade with his move to the Phillies in 2019. The former NLCS MVP is now a Philly through and through and roots for the Eagles against the NFC East rivals.
"And then, I moved to Philly, it was kind of a work thing," Harper said. "If you know my city you know what the Eagles mean to us. They are part of the Philly fabric, Philly pride, and the Philly way."
The first installment of the famed rivalry will take place in November when the Cowboys host the Eagles at the AT&T Stadium.
Bryce Harper aiming for big things after Phillies secure postseason berth
Bryce Harper's Phillies were one of the hottest teams in the division after the first three months, but their form dipped around the All-Star break, including Harper's lack of productivity at the plate.
However, the Phillies secured their postseason berth after a blowout 12-2 victory over the Mets in their series opener on Friday. Harper said that the team is aiming for big things after securing their berth in the playoffs.
"It's hard to go wire-to-wire, and I think our team's done a great job obviously this whole season," Harper said. "We've got bigger goals and things like that, but this is a great moment."
Bryce Harper went 0-4 in the team's disappointing 6-3 loss to the Mets on Saturday. While the Phillies are primed to clinch the division and won't be too bothered with the loss, the Mets are inching closer to a postseason berth as the win sees them hold a two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves for the final NL Wild Card spot.