Philadelphia Erupts In Celebration After Eagles' First Super Bowl Victory
PHILADELPHIA (CBSNewYork/CBS Philly/AP) -- Thousands of fans took to the streets of Philadelphia late Sunday night to celebrate the Eagles' first-ever Super Bowl championship, as they defeated the New England Patriots in dramatic fashion, 41-33.
Fans piled into the streets across Philadelphia, from Center City to Northeast Philly, down to South Philly.
There were fireworks amid car horns blaring, and Philadelphians young and old descended on Broad Street, the iconic thoroughfare that will soon host a parade to commemorate the city's first major pro sports championship since the Phillies won the 2008 World Series. It was the Eagles' first NFL championship since 1960.
In South Philadelphia, fans started chanting "Free Bud Light" after the beer manufacturer made a bet with Lane Johnson that if the Eagles win the Super Bowl.
As CBS Philadelphia reported, it was a celebration that's been decades in the making.
However, some fans did get rowdy, as a car was overturned during the celebration in Center City.
People were also seen jumping off The-Ritz Carlton awning, which later collapsed with more than a dozen people on it.
And despite greasing up the poles across the city, some fans were still able to climb them.
One fan jumped on top of a moving police van and rode along as police wound their way through thick crowds. The fan flapped his arms like an eagle and attempted to surf on top of the vehicle.
Philadelphia police Commissioner Richard Ross even said he was hit in the head by a bottle during the street celebration. Ross told WPVI-TV that "the lion's share of people just celebrate peacefully, but you're going to get some idiots out there."
He said bottles were thrown at police officers at times, and some suffered minor injuries, including himself.
Ross said that he "doesn't get what people do and why they do it."
Philadelphia officials say there were some acts of vandalism, a gas station was looted, and three arrests were made as tens of thousands of people converged on downtown to celebrate the Eagles' first Super Bowl title.
The roar was deafening across the city.
"What a wonderful game. It was so awesome," one fan told CBS3. "They deserved it, they earned it and we wanted it for them."
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said this is the day the city has "dreamed of."
"For so many who have called themselves Eagles fans for a generation, this is the day, the game, the season, and the team we've dreamed of. The 2017-18 Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl Champions, and they've brought tremendous joy to hundreds of thousands throughout the City and region. They consistently wowed us with their dynamic play and relentless pursuit of victory. Their 'Next Man Up' mentality when injuries arose was inspiring to anyone who has ever faced a setback, as was their willingness to embrace the role of underdogs. They looked another storied football franchise in the eyes, and never blinked."
He continued, "To the fans: I have long felt that our City's professional and collegiate sports teams bring Philadelphians together, regardless of race, income, neighborhood or gender, and that was never more true than during the Eagles' brilliant season. We know you have waited years, some for decades, for the chance to crown your Birds as champs. I urge everyone to celebrate in a way that is safe and respectful to everyone from neighbors to strangers. Go forth and celebrate, but do so in a way that will make Philadelphia shine."
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf was at the game to soak in the victory.
"What you give is what you get back. Congratulations on your historic win, @Eagles. We are all incredibly #PAproud. #SuperBowl #FlyEaglesFly," Wolf tweeted.
Philadelphia was left to deal with the cleanup on Monday, after some overzealous fans smashed windows, climbed traffic lights and trashed some convenience stores.
On Sunday night, Eagles backup quarterback Nick Foles led a pressure-packed 75-yard drive to the winning touchdown, 11 yards to Zach Etrz with 2:21 to go. Then a defense that had been shredded throughout the second half made two final stands to win 41-33.
(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
