Happy Valentine's Day: 5 Eagles we've grown to love

The love we see people show one another on Valentine’s Day made us think about the love we have for our football team.

What can we say about Philadelphia Eagles fans that hasn’t already been said? They’re loyal, passionate and opinionated. They also have a tendency to be angry, irrational and unforgiving. Regardless of what mood they’re in, we know we always get honest emotions. The fans of this team love this team, and mental mistakes, questionable personnel moves and horrible draft choices will never change that.

Sure, we say we can’t stand them and we’ll never watch another game, but then game day comes. We’re right back in front of a television set every Sunday, Monday or Thursday. Our love is fueled by our family members who loved this team and introduced us to being a fan. Our love comes as a result of the guys who give their blood, sweat, and tears to the fans and the organization.

Today, on a day known for spreading love, we salute some of the guys on the current roster and staff that make being a fan worthwhile. Guys like Fletcher Cox and Carson Wentz are obvious. We tried to spread the love around here as best we could.

Oct 11, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles free safety /

1. Chris Maragos

In a time where concussion protocol is taken very seriously, we often bring up the violent nature of the kickoff. The NFL has even tried to limit how many we see with rule changes. To Chris Maragos, none of that makes any difference. He flies around with no regard for his own body or safety. He’s just as important to the Eagles’ special teams unit as a pass rusher is for the defense.

2. Jon Dorenbos

Jon Dorenbos is a household name now, but before he stole the hearts of a nation, he was relatively unknown outside of the Eagles’ fan base. His value to the team became more evident when he was injured. We were even treated to an in-game tryout to find his replacement. He’s one of the nice guys on the team, and he’s also one heck of a magician.

3. Duce Staley

Does anyone else miss hearing Eagles fans scream “Duce” every time this guy touched the ball? Staley is the running backs coach now, and there wasn’t one fan of this team that batted an eye when he was given the position. If the Eagles had three of him, they’d already have their first Super Bowl. Now he needs to get his position group in line. Don’t think fans aren’t paying attention.

4. Brandon Graham

Brandon Graham was taken in the 2010 NFL Draft over Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas when many thought the Eagles would take Thomas in an attempt to replace Brian Dawkins. Graham’s career got off to a slow start, but he’s settled in very nicely. We show him love on this day because the entire NFL has yet to do so. We’re still trying to figure out why he didn’t earn a trip to the Pro Bowl.

5. Paul Turner

No, he isn’t that big. He doesn’t have a really cool nickname. All Paul Turner does is work his tail off, make the most of the opportunities he’s given and catch everything thrown his way. People say he isn’t that fast, yet he keeps running by people. Fans fell in love with him during the preseason, vouched for him when he was placed on the practice squad and threw a party when he made the active roster. Regardless of what he does from now on, he’s in the hearts of Eagles fans forever.

Next: A new rivalry: Wentz versus Prescott

Honorable mention:

Caleb Sturgis: He survived a battle for the job of placekicker, and for once, the Eagles kept the right guy.

Halapoulivaati Vaitai: We watched him struggle in his first start and watched him grow all season. Plus, it’s cool to say “Big V” every time you get an opportunity.

Darren Sproles: He’s an old man now, but he’s still the Eagles’ most dangerous offensive weapon. Last season, he was overworked, played through injury and didn’t complain once.

Is there anybody we missed? Let us know who your valentines are in the comments.

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Happy Valentine’s Day: 5 Eagles we’ve grown to love

By Geoffrey Knox | Feb 14, 2017