Ron Smalls: It’s more than a Super Bowl; it’s memories

Well, Super Bowl Sunday is here, there will be cheers and jeers and maybe even a few debates about plays called and referees who didn’t make calls. I can’t help but think of those days long ago as I watched the Philadelphia Eagles take the field. They were larger-than-life heroes a kid from a little town called Philadelphia couldn’t help but root for.

With players like the quarterback Ron Jaworski (aka “Jaws” or “the Polish Rifle”), punished by the other team’s defense. Taken down again and again, only to pick himself up off the ground to throw the ball. Placing it into the waiting hands of Harold Carmichael, who towered above the other players.

Herman Edwards stopping the other team’s offense from scoring, by tackling anyone who dared touch the ball in his presence. And on occasion catching an interception and running it in the other direction for a touchdown. Bringing Eagles fans in the stadium and at home to their feet.

And the little giant on the field – none other than running back Wilbert Montgomery. He would pummel the defense over and over until he finally broke through to score a touchdown and then humbly hand the ball off to the referee, as the crowd went wild.

And the coach, Dick Vermeil, a man who would bleed with his warriors of the field and shed a tear with them as well. He cried not because he was weak but because he was strong. Never has a coach shared a stronger bond with his team than the one Dick Vermeil shared while coaching the Philadelphia Eagles. They won together and lost together, but always together.

So as my daughter and I watch the game we’ll be wearing our Eagles gear and rooting for our team, enjoying snacks and talking to friends and family back home during halftime. But you see it’s more than a Super Bowl: We are building memories, memories that she too can share someday.

Yeah, I’d like to see the Eagles win a Super Bowl and finally bring one home for Philly – but hey, I still cry during the “Rocky” movie. (What can I say, I’m sentimental that way. Philly will always be home.) In pubs and homes all across Philadelphia, the regular Joes and the kings of industry will lift their glasses and their voices together to sing a song any Eagles fan knows: “The Eagles’ Victory Song,” the creation of Charles Borrelli and Roger Courtland.

Fly, Eagles Fly!

On The Road To Victory! (Fight! Fight! Fight!)

Fight, Eagles fight!

Score a touchdown 1, 2, 3! (1! 2! 3!)

Hit ’em low!

Hit ’em high!

And watch our Eagles fly!

Fly, Eagles Fly!

On The Road To Victory!