January 23, 2005. The Eagles beat the Falcons, win the NFC Championship, go to their first Super Bowl in 25 years. The night before, a crippling snowstorm paralyzed the region. But the fans and the Eagles would not be denied.
– Sal Paolantonio, National Correspondent, ESPN
Flyers vs. Oilers in 1987. Game 6 of the finals, Edmonton was leading 2-1 in the third. I scored to tie the game with six minutes left, and then JJ Daigneault scored three minutes later to win the game 3-2 and force a Game 7 in Edmonton. The Spectrum was rocking – it was really loud.
– Brian Propp, Former Philadelphia Flyer & NHL Hall of Famer
My favorite sports moment was when I met Dr. J in Philadelphia when I was 9. I was upset my parents and I were running late to the event. As we were walking up, out jumped Dr. J, who was just arriving. He must have heard me being upset, so he stopped my parents and I, and he signed a T-shirt of his likeness that I had on.
– Assemblyman Troy Singleton
I was outside the Spectrum when the Sixers beat the Lakers and won the world championship in 1983. I saw coach Billy Cunningham and his wife leaving, and it was obvious they had been celebrating quite a lot. We loved him for that – it made him more relatable.
– Anthony Trevi, Haddon Heights
I’m a lifelong Philadelphia sports fan, so to be part of the Eagles’ win over Atlanta in the NFC Championship Game in the 2004 season was simply surreal. I vividly remember the countdown late in the game and the frenzy of the fans at Lincoln Financial Field. The post-win party was incredible!
– Dave Spadaro, Eagles Insider
January 23, 2005, NFC Championship game at home vs. the Atlanta Falcons. We were hoping for the best but expecting the worst. I will never forget feeling the way
I did for two weeks leading up to the Super Bowl.
– John Healey, Haddon Heights
I was in my second season with the Eagles in 2008, and I attended the Phillies’ World Series-clinching win. It was amazing. I just got swept up in the emotion of the win. I was like, “OK, this is a pretty great sports town.” The fans had so much passion.
– Brent Celek, Tight End, Philadelphia Eagles
Tug McGraw throwing that last pitch then jumping into the air as the Phillies won the World Series. Euphoria broke loose. I was a teenager living in South Philly, and everyone poured into the streets. The city was having a party, and we were one big Phillies family.
– Joe LaDuca, Williamstown
October 2, 2008. Division playoffs, Game 2. After walk drawn by pitcher Brett Meyers against CC Sabathia, Jimmy Rollins walked on four straight pitches. Next up, Shane Victorino launched a two-out grand slam. The crowd went bonkers…the city began to believe we were watching champions.
– Matt Maley, Collingswood
The one thing I get asked about all the time is telling Brian Westbrook to take a knee on the 1-yard line. It’s the little things that win games, and for many that was a learning experience in situational awareness. In a sport that demands a lot from your body, you still have to play the chess match in your mind to pick up victories.
– Jon Runyan, VP of Policy & Rules, NFL
My first start as goaltender for the Philadelphia Flyers this past season. I won my first start, and being able to share the experience with my family and friends in front of the home crowd made it extra special.
– Anthony Stolarz, Goaltender, Philadelphia Flyers
The Phillies winning the World Series in 2008. My wife and I hugged like we’d just won the lottery. The next morning, I stood in line for an hour to buy a T-shirt. And I never stand in line.
– Maury Z. Levy, Columnist, SJ Magazine
