Growing up in what was essentially a suburb of Philadelphia, I had fleeting moments of touching greatness: Watching Julius Erving play for the Sixers and winning an NBA championship; watching the Phillies go to the World Series; watching the Eagles go to the Super Bowl under Dick Vermeil; watching Villanova win an NCAA championship.
But now I’ve got Carolina on my mind.
I could not ever have seen a greater sporting event than the Panthers’ 29-23 victory over the vaunted St. Louis Rams in double overtime today.
I think even our kids will remember it. We watched the final heart-pounding moments on our bed with us (full of a bottle of wine) and the kids jumping up and down and screaming like we’d just won the Mega Millions jackpot.
It was easy last week as I ribbed my friend Matt about the Panthers whuppin’ up on the Cowboys. Depending on what happens with the Eagles and Packers on Sunday, I could have been in a quandry.
The hometown Panthers vs. the home-hometown Eagles. My dad and my uncle, the two the guys I love the most in the world, rooting for the Eagles. My uncle, a former season-ticket holder.
But you know, there’s no choice for me. Even though Rush dissed Donovan McNabb (see Who’s overrated now?), the McNabb of my dreams let me and my partner Lex down during our fantasy league football season. And driving up north? Hated it!
The Panthers are my team now. This game, left an indelible mark on my sports-loving soul. I’ve been to Charlotte and I’ve been to Philadelphia to see games. It’s barbecue vs. cheesesteak.
I’ll root for the Eagles on Sunday. But it might be the last time this season.
As my 2-year-old says, “Go Panders!”