Mayor Cherelle Parker had us all in stitches on January 19 when her die-hard love for the Eagles led to an unexpected—and hilariously Philly—slip-up during a snow emergency press conference. What started as a routine weather update turned into an impromptu Eagles rally, and let’s say, the chant didn’t quite land the way she planned.
Standing at the podium, hyping up fans ahead of the Birds’ playoff clash with the Rams, Parker attempted to lead the crowd in the city’s iconic “E-A-G-L-E-S, Eagles!” chant. Except, in a moment that could only happen here, she confidently belted out:
“E-L-G-S-E-S, Eagles!”
The crowd? A mix of laughing, confused, and die-hard fans trying to salvage the moment by chanting the correct spelling. Some good-natured souls even joined Parker’s version, proving once again that Philly’s got each other’s backs—even when we’re creatively spelling.
You know we didn’t let this one slide. Social media lit up faster than Broad Street after a game-winning touchdown. Memes flew like confetti, from “E-L-G-S-E-S” mock-up banners to edited clips of Parker spelling other words hilariously wrong. One local hero even mashed up her chant with Jason Kelce’s Super Bowl parade speech.
And leave it to Philly’s entrepreneurial spirit: Phillygoat, the kings of hometown merch, didn’t waste a second. By the next morning, they were slinging T-shirts with Parker’s exact chant—and yes, they’re already selling out.
By January 21, the Mayor was ready to laugh along with the rest of us. At a follow-up presser, Parker joked,
“We don’t promise perfection, and I’m so happy that I never have, especially since I couldn’t spell ‘Eagles’ right.”
The room erupted in laughter, and honestly, we love her even more for it. She leaned into the moment with classic Philly grit and humor, reminding us why she’s one of us.
This is why we love this city, y’all. We’re not about being perfect—we’re about showing up, giving it our all, and laughing when we trip over ourselves in the process. Parker’s flub is already part of the city’s shared history, like throwing snowballs at Santa (don’t act like you forgot) or Gritty becoming a cultural icon overnight.
In Philly, we turn missteps into inside jokes, jokes into memories, and memories into pride. So, whether it’s “E-A-G-L-E-S” or “E-L-G-S-E-S,” one thing’s for sure: this city’s got nothing but love for the Birds—and for Mayor Parker.
Let’s take that playoff energy and show the Rams what Philly’s all about. Fly, Elgses, Fly!
