Eagles Chairman Jeffrey Lurie issues statement in regards to colossal news

Well, this gives new meaning to those ‘Philadelphia Eagles Everywhere’ hashtags that we see on game day, especially when the Birds take over another team’s stadium on the road (the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and Washington Commanders still haven’t recovered from last season). This is different though. We’re discussing fanhood on an international level as it relates to our game, America’s Game.

The Eagles, on May 24th, announced that they’ll become the first team to expand fan outreach efforts to Africa, but that’s not all. As part of the NFL’s International Home Marketing Area initiative, we’re assured of seeing a few t-shirts and jerseys in both Ghana and New Zealand as well.

Take a look.

https://twitter.com/Eagles/status/1529129762001756160

Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie issues a heartfelt statement.

In light of the news, Jeffrey Lurie issued a statement. Here it is in its entirety.

"The Philadelphia Eagles organization is privileged to have one of the most passionate and dedicated fan bases in all of sport. We are continuously looking for opportunities to connect with new fans while expanding the reach of our brand domestically and abroad. With the NFL identifying Australia, New Zealand, and Ghana as emerging markets for our league, we see a tremendous opportunity for our team to continue to touch and create ‘Eagles Everywhere’."

Here’s more.

"We are extremely proud to be the first NFL team to launch marketing, fan engagement, and commercialization efforts in Africa as we establish a visible presence in Ghana. Organic ties with the Australia and New Zealand markets have already been made possible by the presence of three natives of the region currently on the Eagles’ roster. As an NFL team, we know we have a special platform to reach and connect with people around the world, and this program allows us to establish roots in these new markets."

If you think the Eagles fan base is the unquestioned NFL leader in terms of passion, loyalty, and love for its football team, you just wait and see what happens when these proud countries get a hold of pro football and dig in, especially seeing as how the Birds already have three Australians on the current roster (tackle Jordan Mailata, defensive end Matt Leo, and punter Arryn Siposs.

The National Football League created its International Home Marketing Area initiative in January of this year with the intention of granting NFL franchises some access to international territories. Currently, 19 teams have planted their flags in 30 areas stretching across ten countries.

Typically, when we hear terms like ‘public statement’ and ‘NFL owners’ in the same sentence, the news isn’t good. Just ask any Dallas Cowboys fan. However, in situations like this, we’ll gladly give Jeffrey Lurie a pass.

Who knows? The next time we book a flight to Australia, Ghana, or New Zealand and we do so during football season, we might be adding ‘international tailgating’ to the itinerary. Now, who can argue about that one? Waakye, southern bluefin tuna, and Georgie Pie before an Eagles game? Yes! Count us in on that one.