American Community Journals recently surveyed readers to get their impressions of the Philadelphia Eagles, as they prepare to defend their Super Bowl title.
The 10-question survey was completed by 440 people, and the responses reveal an overwhelmingly positive outlook. For a fan base often defined by its skepticism, such unity around optimism is refreshing.
Perhaps that speaks to just how good the Eagles are right now.
Confidence in the Front Office
Fans are giving the Eagles’ leadership near-universal approval. When asked to grade the team’s offseason, 94 percent of respondents awarded the front office an A or B, reinforcing the belief that the team has reloaded rather than rebuilt.
Saquon Takes Center Stage
No single player generated more excitement than Saquon Barkley. Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of survey participants said the running back will lead the team in touchdowns this year, outpacing Jalen Hurts’s popular targets like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. (Respondents were not allowed to choose the quarterback.) More than half (55 percent) also believe that Barkley will once again eclipse the 2,000-yard rushing mark.
Rookie Spotlight: Jihaad Campbell
More than 54 percent of survey respondents named linebacker Jihaad Campbell, the 31st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the rookie most likely to make the biggest impact this season. That’s well ahead of safety Andrew Mukuba or defensive tackle Ty Robinson, who each garnered 11.4 percent of the vote.
Eyeing the Competition
When asked to identify the Eagles’ toughest opponent, fans pointed squarely at the AFC powerhouse Buffalo Bills (33 percent) and Kansas City Chiefs (30 percent). The Detroit Lions, a rising NFC contender, earned 24 percent.
NFC East rivals, long a traditional source of animosity, barely registered. The Dallas Cowboys, once seen as the Birds’ biggest hurdle, drew less than one percent of responses.
Fans at Home and in the Stands
Sixty-one percent of respondents said they do not plan to attend any games in person this year, while another 28 percent expect to make it to only one or two.
Nonetheless, engagement remains high. Many fans described game-day rituals that bring the excitement home — everything from wearing jerseys and green gear to gathering with family and friends, tailgating in the parking lots, or muting the television and turning up the volume of Merrill Reese and Mike Quick on SportsRadio 94WIP.
Chants and Culture
When it comes to the soundtrack of fandom, “Go, Birds!” (50 percent) has now edged out “Fly, Eagles, Fly!” (36 percent) as the top rallying cry. The survey also highlighted newer chants like “No One Likes Us, We Don’t Care!” (eight percent), which continues to resonate with a portion of the fan base.
One Word: Optimistic
Perhaps the clearest reflection of fan sentiment came from a one-word outlook question. Responses like “optimistic,” “positive,” “excited,” and “hopeful” dominated. Very few words carried doubt or negativity. For a city that prides itself on holding its teams accountable, this near-universal optimism signals just how high the bar has been set for 2025.
Firstrust Bank: Banking on the Birds
As Eagles fans prepare to cheer on another championship run, Firstrust Bank — Philadelphia’s Hometown Bank and the Official Bank of the Philadelphia Eagles — offers a unique way to show team pride year-round.
With Eagles-themed checking accounts and debit cards, fans can carry their passion wherever they go, from the tailgate lot to the checkout line. These accounts come with the exclusive RedZone Rewards Program that enables fans to earn points that can be redeemed toward gift cards, merchandise, travel, and more. Also, using the Eagles debit card at least once a month automatically enters customers into drawings for autographed memorabilia, VIP experiences, and game tickets during the season.
Perhaps the biggest benefit for diehard fans is the 20 percent discount at the Eagles Pro Shop, available both in person and online. The discount gives cardholders a chance to save on jerseys, hats, and other team gear.
As the Eagles open their season at home against the Cowboys on Sept. 4, two-time Super Bowl champion Brandon Graham is starring in Firstrust’s new “Edge” campaign, which showcases how the bank gives businesses an edge. It plays on the now-retired Graham’s reputation as one of the NFL’s most-feared edge rushers and shows him transitioning from playbooks to portfolios.
Check out the commercials at Firstrust Bank’s YouTube channel.
Learn more about Firstrust Bank and how it provides fans, who are looking to take their love of the Eagles beyond game day, the perfect way to say what the city is already shouting: Go, Birds!
