Dawn Staley had her Super Bowl Sunday all mapped out. A die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan and Philly native, she planned to jet from South Carolina’s matchup against Texas straight to New Orleans to watch her team chase another Lombardi Trophy. But all those plans were shut down due to an unexpected roadblock. With former President Donald Trump attending the game, security restrictions closed the airspace, grounding her travel plans. Did she let it ruin her night? Absolutely not!

Even though she couldn’t be in the stadium, Staley made sure her Eagles spirit was on full display. She sported a ridiculously oversized Eagles hat and a head-to-toe green fit that screamed dedication. If there was ever any doubt about her fandom, this image shut it down.

Well, this isn’t the first time Staley has shown her support for the Eagles. In fact, she has been repping the team all season—from hoodies to sweatpants to custom visors, she had it all. And despite not making it to the Super Bowl, she kept the energy alive. “Party here, though,” she shared, making it clear that if she couldn’t be in New Orleans, she’d bring the Super Bowl vibes wherever she was.

As it turns out, she didn’t need to be at the Super Bowl to witness history—because the Eagles put on a show. While Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs were trying to make NFL history by becoming the first team to win three straight Super Bowl titles, the Eagles were seeking their second Super Bowl win in franchise history.

The first half was all Eagles, as the Chiefs went into the break down 24-0, tied for the second-largest halftime deficit in Super Bowl history. Not just that, the Eagles made sure to register their names in the record books by securing a dominant 40-22 win. How could Staley hold back?

“Blow the WHISTLE!!! @Eagles,” Staley posted after the win. But this wasn’t the only achievement of the night.

Saquon Barkley, the Eagles’ standout, made history too. He broke Terrell Davis’ record for the most rushing yards in a single season, including playoffs. But, for Staley, this act of support was nothing new.

For Dawn Staley, her bond with the Eagles isn’t just about fandom. 

While Staley is Philly through and through, her connection to the Eagles runs deeper than just fandom. She and Jalen Hurts share a unique bond that goes beyond sports. Hurts, who has been instrumental in Philly’s success, has publicly expressed admiration for the South Carolina head coach.

Back in April 2024, he showed his support for the Gamecocks squad in the national championship game against Iowa.

“There are definitely deep ties there, but I love great coaching,” Hurts once said, praising Staley’s leadership and competitive fire. But their connection didn’t just develop overnight. Staley has been an influential figure in the Philly sports scene, and Hurts recognized her as a source of wisdom.

Just last summer, she visited the NovaCare Complex at the invitation of Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni. There, she met with the team’s leadership council, featuring Hurts, A.J. Brown, Barkley, and DeVonta Smith. They spent hours discussing motivation and team dynamics. But why was a women’s basketball coach offering advice to an NFL team?

“Others might have considered it ludicrous to speak with a woman in relation to such a rough and tough sport,” she told The Athletic. “But they understood success is relatable.” Respect and love go both ways for Staley and the Eagles.