Happy Thanksgiving everyone! In Philadelphia we tend to be a tad bit negative when it comes to sports. Weve all been called “negadelphian” at one time or another. We dont have a trophy case thats chock full of titles. BUT that doesnt mean it isnt a great time to step back and realize how lucky we are in this city. So lets take a look at 10 things (in no particular order) to be thankful for in Philly sports

• The 9-1 Eagles! (Duh)

  It has only happened a few times in franchise history. The Eagles currently hold the best record in the NFL at 9-1. Its a start that just about no one saw coming. The Eagles now look to start 10-1 against the Packers this Sunday. While the team hasn’t played all that well the last 3 weeks, its time to enjoy what we are experiencing which is the best team in the NFL.

• Great Ownership

  Owners around sports are often criticized for NOT spending. We dont have that problem in Philadelphia. Whether it be Josh Harris with the Sixers, or John Middleton with the Phillies, or Jeffrey Lurie with the Eagles, the ownership in this city wants one thing; to win. Not only did the Phillies go OVER the luxury tax, when so many MLB owners are content with taking the revenue sharing money and not caring about winning. The Sixers not only spent this offseason, but theyre willing to spend EVEN MORE on a stadium down in center city. Not asking for ANY tax payer money. The ownership in this city wants to win and puts their money where their mouth is. While it hasnt led to a championship, it isnt for lack of trying. And if you remember “The man in France” Norman Braman it should make you appreciate what we currently have.

• World Series Run

  Who wouldve thought when Bryce Harper went down that the Phillies would not only make the playoffs, but make the World Series. They came within 2 games of winning it all, but ultimately came up short. With the best pitching in the minors (Andrew Painter) expected to arrive next season, and the progression of players like Bryson Stott and Alec Bohm. The future is bright for the Phillies

• World Cup Fever

  The area is represented in the World Cup this year with former Union striker Brendan Aaronson who is from Medford, and goalie Matt Turner who is from Park Ridge. But this year FIFA also announced that Philadelphia will be a host city for the 2026 World Cup! So thats cool.

• Ben Simmons

  Ok, hear me out. Were not so much thankful for the player, more the situation. Because a year ago Ben Simmons was in Philadelphia but was holding out for a trade. The future of the team was very much in question. His trade value was almost non-existent. But fast forward to February and Daryl Morey got his guy in James Harden. Packaging Ben Simmons with 2 other players and draft picks for the former MVP. Word out of Brooklyn is the Nets are ready to move on from Simmons, and it hasnt even been a year! OH, and his failure at the free throw line won the entire city Chick-Fil-A nuggets on Tuesday night.

• Bryce Harper

  This is something to be thankful for every year. Bryce Harper is a Phillie. He is a former MVP. He likely wouldve been in the MVP conversation again had it not been for his injury. And hes an absolute steal at just $26 million. Dont think so? Wait until you see what Aaron Judge signs for this offseason.

• Jalen Hurts' Progression

  The Eagles are 9-1! And one of the biggest reasons why is because of the massive jump that QB Jalen Hurts has taken this season. Admittedly, I didn’t think he was capable of this kind of jump, but he proved me wrong and its awesome. He is a legit MVP candidate, and is the leader of the team. The Eagles look smart for moving on from Wentz and ushering in the Jalen Hurts era.

  OH! And take a look at the ages of some of the top QB’s in this years draft class. Most are OLDER than Hurts. So thats cool.

• Mickey Loomis

  Dont know who Mickey Loomis is? Youre probably just not a rabid football fan (not meant as a slight by the way.) Mickey Loomis is the GM of the New Orleans Saints. Loomis decided to do a draft day trade with the Eagles which netted the Birds the Saints 2023 first round draft pick. Loomis then built a horrendous roster that doesnt win all that much. The Saints unfortunately did win in week 11 to bring their record to 4-7. The pick currently sits at #10 in the draft. Two first round picks is awesome. 2 first round picks with one of them being in the top 10 is even better. Thanks Mickey!

• 5 Pro Teams

  Sounds ridiculous on the surface because we don’t really know another way, but were fortunate in this city to have all the sports covered. Pittsburgh doesnt have a pro basketball team. Boston has to share the Patriots with lame states like Vermont and New Hampshire. San Francisco has to share the Warriors with Oakland. St. Louis still doesnt have an NFL team. While sports here can be frustrating, we have it all in Philly.

• You!

  Thats right, YOU! Look in the mirror and be thankful for the person staring back at you. Philadelphia has some of the best fans, if not the best fans in the world. The passion here is unquestionable. While we are reactive, we are passionate about it all. And its one of the reasons why free agents WANT to come here. If you don’t think that some baseball free agents took notice of the crowds at Citizens Bank Park and the environment then you are kidding yourself.

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