Latest news with #Birds
USA Today
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Eagles Super Bowl champion admits to some Tom Brady apprehension
Chris Long played with and against Tom Brady. Recently, he shared a story about the latter. Classic games often share similar ingredients. Huge stakes are helpful, but they aren't necessary. The bigger the stakes, the bigger the moment, though. The Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots once engaged in one of the best Super Bowls ever played. Ask Birds fans, and they may place it among their top two. It helps that the right team came out on top. An exciting and stressful affair offered a night we'll never forget. Super Bowl 52 certainly meets the criteria of a classic. Every masterpiece needs unforgettable scoring plays, a few twists, and great performances by its stars. On February 4, 2018, an underdog Eagles team hoped to topple perhaps the greatest quarterback, coach, and dynasty in NFL history. Chris Long makes his confession about his feelings on the Tom Brady mystique. One day, we'll all be old men and women. We'll tell the grandchildren about the 2017-18 Philadelphia Eagles. If you weren't paying attention then and think this current iteration is stacked with characters, you should do some research on that roster. Philadelphia, the NFC's top-seeded team during the postseason, was often treated as an underdog. They bought dog masks. Fans followed suit, and before you know it, the world's supply had evaporated. They had become impossible to find. One of the leaders of the charge was a former Patriot who had joined the Eagles. Long was recently a guest on the "Green Legion" Radio. Naturally, he was asked about winning a Super Bowl in Philadelphia and his affiliation with both organizations. As always, Long on the microphone provided magic. Before the Eagles took the field to play the Minnesota Vikings for the right to play in Super Bowl LII, he watched as much as he could of the New England Patriots vs. Jacksonville Jaguars clash in the AFC Championship Game. Long admits pulling for the Jags on that Sunday afternoon. He had seen the brilliance of Tom Brady firsthand, and he wanted no part of it two weeks later. He believed facing Jacksonville would provide a smoother ride to the Eagles' first Lombardi Trophy. We all know how that turned out. Ultimately, Long didn't get his wish, but the Birds got the job done. Honestly, that makes for a better story. Had Philadelphia played the Jags and won on football's biggest stage, Birds fans would have appreciated the win, but beating Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and the Patriots dynasty means a little more, right? Think about it. To win the franchise's first championship since the NFL/AFL merger, they conquered the QB and coach often viewed as the best pro football had ever seen. To many, their Patriots dynasty is without equal, but on one night in 2018, they met their match. No, scratch that. They found a superior opponent. Long, now with the Birds, would hoist another Lombardi Trophy as green, white, and silver confetti fell. Were those of us who were watching a little apprehensive and afraid? You're doggone right! That's Tom Brady, man! Have you seen all of those clutch moments and all of that elite play? But a classic unfolded, one marked by a heroic performance from Nick Foles.
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
A love letter for every Eagles fan whose heart beats Midnight Green
One city, one team, and another shot at glory. It's been nearly six months since the Philadelphia Eagles pummeled the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59. So much has changed, and at the same time, so much has remained recognizable and familiar. Nick Sirianni is still here. So is every offensive starter from last season's run, minus the aforementioned Mekhi Becton. There was a shift at the offensive coordinator position. Kellen Moore is gone. Kevin Patullo got promoted, leaving most of the questions on defense. Gone are starters like C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Darius Slay, and Josh Sweat, but other cornerstones like Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith remain. Vic Fangio returns for year two as defensive coordinator. What he did to repair the damage done by Sean Desai and Matt Patricia last season was nothing short of amazing. He's going to be around for as long as he'd like to be. He has communicated that he's no longer interested in potential head-coaching jobs, so even though the defense was raided, it isn't the punctured unit that so many keep trying to predict it will be. In addition to those previously mentioned, essential role players like Oren Burks, Milton Williams, Avonte Maddox, and Isaiah Rodgers. We'll miss every one of them, but we've also learned Philadelphia can win if each of them is absent. The Birds will be fine. Sure, it's tough to replace all of those guys at the same time, but Philadelphia will press on. We just need to learn about some of the new guys: who they are, how they will play, and how they will blend with the fan base and city. So, welcome to Jihaad Campbell and Andrew Mukuba. To Ty Robinson, Mac McWilliams, Smael Mondon, and Antwaun Powell-Ryland, we say welcome. We welcome Azeez Ojulari, Adoree' Jackson, Josh Uche, and Ogbo Okoronkwo. We would like to extend a warm welcome back to Patrick Johnson. Welcome back to training camp, the preseason, and eventually the 93rd season in franchise history. Welcome back to the best atmosphere in sports. Welcome back to Lincoln Financial Field and those black, Kelly Green, and Midnight Green jerseys. Greatness awaits. Hopefully, another deep playoff run awaits as well. The world's best fans will be watching. Expect them to celebrate when this team does its best. Expect correction when they feel like this team doesn't. This is a team full of characters with character. They're heroes. They're role models. They're family, and they're the defending champions, even if they don't want to be called that. To our Birds, we extend our gratitude for the 2024-25 campaign, and we wish you a great season.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Patti Scialfa makes rare appearance at Linda Ronstadt tribute in Nashville
Bruce Springsteen's sweetheart and storied musician, Patti Scialfa, made a rare appearance this week. Scialfa, 71, was part of a star-studded tribute to Linda Ronstadt at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. Alongside Trisha Yearwood and other singer-songwriter legends, Scialfa took the stage on July 22 for a spate of heartfelt performances. Springsteen's longtime wife and collaborator, and a member of the E Street Band, Scialfa sang "To Know Him Is to Love Him" and "Birds" with Yearwood and Emmylou Harris. Her set also included a duet of "Valerie" with Harris and "The Water Is Wide" with Yearwood, Harris, Rodney Crowell and James Taylor. The event was co-produced by Yearwood and the Country Music Hall of Fame, and was put on in connection with the museum's newest exhibition, "Western Edge: The Roots and Reverberations of Los Angeles Country-Rock." "I'm not exaggerating when I say that Linda Ronstadt is the reason I became a singer," Yearwood said, according to the Country Music Hall of Fame. "Celebrating Linda and her fellow LA-based musicians alongside some of my biggest musical heroes is a lifelong dream come true for me." Scialfa, a New Jersey native, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer, in September, and her appearances and performances since have been sporadic. 'This affects my immune system, so I just have to be careful what I choose to do and where I choose to go," said Scialfa in the 2024 documentary "Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band." "Every once in a while, I come to a show or two and I can sing a few songs onstage, and that's been a treat," she added. "That's the new normal for me right now, and I'm OK with that." Sciafa's last live performance was in April, when she took the stage to celebrate at the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music's American Music Honors. Smokey Robinson, John Fogerty, Emmylou Harris, Tom Morello and Joe Ely, in absentia, were bestowed honors by Scialfa, Springsteen, Little Steven Van Zandt and Nils Lofgren. For fans eager to hear from the red-headed songstress, The Yearwood and Friends Ronstadt salute was filmed and will be available next month on the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's website and YouTube channel.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cockatoo Acting Like 'Possessed Demon Chicken' Is Cracking Everyone Up
Cockatoo Acting Like 'Possessed Demon Chicken' Is Cracking Everyone Up originally appeared on Parade Pets. Cockatoos are not easy birds to keep. Arguably, no birds are "easy," but Cockatoos in particular are one of the toughest species to care for. They're loud, demanding, a little scary, and downright dangerous if they're not treated right. On Saturday, July 19th, one Cockatoo showed off that they're always crazy, even when treated like kings. When he got a little angry at his parents, he went full "possessed demon chicken" on them. It was truly a sight to behold: Charlie Jr. the Cockatoo is one of my personal favorites. You literally never know what this guy is going to do next, but you can almost always guarantee that whatever it is is not going to be what you is a 25-year-old rescue Cockatoo who lives with parents around his age. His mom was the one who really wanted him, but he's decided that his dad is the one he loves most of all. It's a little rude! Even still, mom adores him and puts up with his tantrums every single day. For example, on this day, he decided that no one in the world was allowed to use the stairs. Trying to step on Charlie's stairs resulted in possessed demon chicken-like squawking. Charlie is not afraid to bite, either: once, he bit right through mom's designer bag. They put up with it purely because of his moments of sweetness. When he's sweet, there's absolutely nothing better: Charlie is pretty much a classic Cockatoo: they're basically feathered Sour Patch Kids. Even if they're well-loved and you take care of them, they're going to have their moments. A Cockatoo having a tantrum does not mean you're doing a bad job! Making sure they have enough to eat, fresh water, and plenty of playtime can help lessen the likelihood of full-blown meltdowns. Even so, it won't make them quiet! Cockatoos are loud when they're happy, too. Charlie definitely is. He's lucky his parents adore him so! 🐶🐾🐾 Cockatoo Acting Like 'Possessed Demon Chicken' Is Cracking Everyone Up first appeared on Parade Pets on Jul 23, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
USA Today
22-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
6 Eagles with the most to prove during training camp
With rookies and veterans now at the NovaCare Complex for training camp, we're looking at the six Eagles with the most to prove. The Eagles held a marvelous Super Bowl 59 ring ceremony on Friday. After the final celebration of February's win over Kansas City, Philadelphia will now officially turn the page and quickly refocus on the task at hand. The hunters are now the hunted, and the Birds will report on Tuesday with the mindset of defending their title and staying hungry in the process. Lost in the celebration is the urgency that several key players and one high-profile assistant coach will face over the next few weeks, as each individual plays a crucial role in a potential return to the Super Bowl in Santa Clara. With rookies and veterans now at the NovaCare Complex for training camp, we're looking at the six Eagles with the most to prove. OC Kevin Patullo Nick Sirianni's longtime confidant, who had previously served as the passing game coordinator, was promoted to offensive coordinator after Kellen Moore accepted the head coaching position in New Orleans. Following the issues that arose with Brian Johnson two years ago, Patullo will be under the microscope. The last time Philadelphia hired from within, Brian Johnson had a one-year run with the Eagles' offense, and things imploded so severely that the Eagles lost six of their final seven games. Patullo has a machine, and he'll need to mold that juggernaut into his personality. DB Kelee Ringo The Eagles lost Darius Slay (Steelers), James Bradberry (free agent), Avonte Maddox (Lions), and Isaiah Rodgers (Vikings) in free agency and signed Adoree' Jackson. Even with those moves, Philadelphia didn't draft a cornerback until the fifth round when they selected Mac McWilliams out of UCF. Ringo is the biggest winner of the offseason and'll have the inside track to be a starter. DT Jordan Davis The Eagles exercised the fifth-year option on Jordan Davis this offseason, and the 2022 first-round pick will look to capitalize on the six tackles and two sacks during the Super Bowl run. Davis (6-6, 336 pounds) has started all 40 regular-season and postseason contests over the past two seasons, but needs a strong season to warrant a long-term extension. TE Dallas Goedert Goedert (team-record 52 career playoff catches) led the Eagles in receptions (17) and receiving yards (215) in the postseason. After reworking his deal, the talented tight end could earn his first out-right Pro Bowl nod. OL Tyler Steen Tyler Steen went from likely starter to a reserve in 2024, starting three games, including the NFC Championship, and playing more than 400 snaps on offense (including postseason games). Entering his third season, Steen (6-6, 321 pounds) will look to win the right guard job that opened up when Mekhi Becton signed with the Chargers in free agency. DB Sydney Brown The Eagles traded C.J. Gardner-Johnson to Houston for Kenyon Green, opening up a starting role for Sydney Brown or Tristin McCollum. Brown is a physical safety who is stout on special teams but doesn't operate efficiently in space or match up against elite pass catchers. Enter Andrew Mukuba, a Swiss army knife from Texas who could keep Brown relegated to special team duties. Mukuba can play the slot, operate in space, and play with range, drawing comparisons to Gardner-Johnson.
