Eagles fan Sylvester Stallone worried they’d burn his effigies in Philly
Supporting an NFL team with your whole heart is no joke. Especially if you are Sylvester Stallone. The Rocky actor is known to love the Philadelphia Eagles, which has (sometimes) landed him in trouble.
However, the 76-year-old is well aware of the extreme fans and what could happen to his own effigies in Philadelphia. Despite the legendary actor loving the team, he might no longer be welcome to watch their games.
This dates back to their 2003 NFL season, when the team suffered a 17-0 inaugural game loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lincoln Financial Field.
Part of the focus, however, was on Stallone's presence at the game. The popular Rocky theme song was played, and Stallone cheered on while wearing the iconic No. 22 Eagles jersey. In the end, the team lost the game, and Stallone lost his chances of attending an Eagles game again.
During an interview, the actor revealed his thoughts on the whole incident:
“Oh, don’t bring that up. That’s why I’m not going. They lost. They got pounded, and [Buccaneers coach] Jon Gruden wouldn’t let the world forget it. So they were in the locker room going, ‘Rocky’s nothing. Rocky got knocked out. Eye of the potato.’ I felt so bad. It was Rocky day, and I thought, I’m going to be stoned to death here".
He continued, talking about how he knew everyone was going to look at him if they lost. After all, Stallone was one highlight at the game.
"I’ll be burned in effigy in every neighborhood in Philadelphia. So I said, you know what, I’ll sit this dance out.”
Sylvester Stallone shows off Lombardi trophy at Lincoln Financial Field
In 2018, the Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl with a 41–33 score against the New England Patriots. Like every other Eagles fan, Stallone was eagerly awaiting a Super Bowl win for the team. Naturally, a win over Tom Brady and his team had the actor over the moon.
Sylvester Stallone even shared some images on Instagram, expressing his happiness on social media.
"Now here is a statue that REALLY knows how to dress like a WINNER!!!!! I have tremendous respect for Tom Brady and the Patriots, but “… It’s about how much you can TAKE and keep moving forward! That’s how WINNIN’ is done!!!!” EAGLES BY KNOCKOUT!!!" Sylvester Stallone wrote.
After the win, he shared another photo, referring to the Eagles as the 'underdog'.