Flashback Friday: Eagles, Duce Staley shine in 2000’s ‘Pickle Juice Game’
Once upon a time, the Philadelphia Eagles marched into Texas Stadium, drank some pickle juice and rode Duce Staley as they walked all over the rival Dallas Cowboys.
Sometimes, all it takes is a phrase to help someone drift off and remember the good times. When you hear ‘Pickle Juice Game’ what do you think of? Most Philadelphia Eagles fans would probably answer that by bringing up one name, Duce Staley.
Yes kids, before Staley paced the sidelines with a headset on as Philly’s assistant head coach and running backs coach, he worked his way into the hearts of Eagles fans by what he did on the football field.
Chants of ‘DUCE” reverberated around, first, Veterans Stadium and, then, Lincoln Financial Field during the seven seasons he spent wearing the green, black, white and silver of an Eagles uniform.
Even in knowing all of that, it’s a game that took place on September 3rd of 2000 at Texas Stadium versus the Dallas Cowboys that fans always bring up when they think of ‘Number 22’ in pads.
Wait.. They were given pickle juice?
On that day, the game-time temperature was 105 degrees with readings on the artificial turf that suggested things felt like 150. The Eagles players were given pickle juice to keep them from wilting in the smoldering heat.
Then-Eagles head coach Andy Reid surprised everyone with an onside kick to begin the game. That set the tone as the Eagles marched his way to a 41-14 victory.
How did Staley do in that one? Try 201 yards on 26 rushing attempts with a touchdown and four receptions for 61 yards with a touchdown through the air on for size. Unfortunately for Philly, Staley would end the season on the IR (injured reserve) thanks to a foot injury, but no one will forget the events of that day.
dark. Next. Sidney Jones is close, Jalen Mills out for awhile
Here’s to Duce and the Eagles for another victory over the Cowboys and another fond memory in this great rivalry. Another chapter will be written on Sunday night.