Eagles players were back at the NovaCare Complex on Thursday to clean out their lockers before Friday's Championship Parade in Philadelphia.
For many of them, it's the first time they will experience anything like this – there is expected to be more than a million fans decked in green cheering them on each step of the way up to the Philadelphia Muesum of Art.
As they packed up for a final time this season, players reflected on their memories from the season and how excited they are to celebrate with the fans.
"I'm excited for it. Can't wait. It's going to be crazy, I'm sure. I'm just excited to see all of the people and to be able to celebrate with the whole city," rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean said.
The rookie likely had the most memorable birthday he will ever experience – winning a Super Bowl and getting a pick-six in the game.
He shared his favorite memories of his outstanding rookie season: "Spending time with the guys, really. The connection we have in this locker room is pretty special, I think.
"The DB room, how close we all were, going out to dinners and just hanging out. It was pretty special. We kept it real light in our room, played with a lot of confidence. I think getting to know each other off the field was a big part in that."
For center Cam Jurgens, his favorite memory of the 2024 season came on the field, and it was with a guy who was just a little popular in his first season in Philadelphia.
"This game right here (Week 17 vs. Cowboys) when Saquon (Barkley) broke 2,000 yards. That was such a historic landmark for Eagles franchise history, for Saquon, and for us to be a part of it. We know how much hard work we put in, how dominant we were, and to reach that milestone it felt pretty good," Jurgens said.
The Nebraska native will experience an Eagles Championship Parade for the first time on Friday.
"I'm just super excited to see everybody. I know what it means to me, what it means to the team and the franchise, but I don't fully grasp what it means to this community and Philadelphia and all of the fans out there and how it plays such a role in their lives. I can't wait to see that," Jurgens said.
Friday will be a celebration had by everyone in the City of Philadelphia.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts helped deliver the franchise's second Lombardi Trophy, garnering MVP honors from the game.
It will be the first time the team will celebrate with the whole city since winning on Sunday.
"It means a lot. Because you look at the support you get, look at the City of Philadelphia, all the support, all the passion, the hunger, the eagerness," Hurts said.
"It's something that they all can celebrate and I'm glad and blessed to be able to represent them and represent the city."
There will however be some familiarity for four players who experienced the parade after the 2017 Super Bowl win – Jake Elliott, Brandon Graham, Lane Johnson, and Rick Lovato became the first Philadelphia pro athletes to win multiple championships since the 1970s Flyers.
"Just to see the reactions of my teammates," Johnson said about what he's looking forward to at the parade. "The best thing Nick (Sirianni) told everybody was just to be yourself. Don't be somebody you're not. I'm not sure who is all speaking tomorrow, but there will be a lot of unique personalities on the mic. So, hopefully we bring something of substance and meaning to the community."
Guard Mekhi Becton is another player who won a Super Bowl in his first year with the Eagles. He came here to learn from Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach Jeff Stoutland, who helped transition him from tackle to guard this season.
Working with one of the best offensive line groups in the league stood out the most to the fifth-year player, even if it wasn't always easy.
"Just every meeting with the guys. There really isn't one thing I can pinpoint, it's just the whole year with those guys," Becton said about his favorite moments this season.
Tears filled the eyes of an emotional Becton on the field after winning Super Bowl LIX. He's ready to party with the city.
"It's going to be dope. I've already seen a little taste, I know that's not even close to how the parade is going to be when we pulled in (Eagles fans stood outside the NovaCare Complex to welcome the team back from the airport on Monday). So, it's going to be dope."
And how is linebacker Zack Baun preparing for his first parade?
"I watched YouTube videos of the 2017 parade to mentally prepare myself for what's about to happen – super excited. I heard there's going to be over a million people there in support and it's going to be a good time," Baun said. – Written by Liam Wichser
