Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson looks on during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field on September 18, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images) ((Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images))PHILADELPHIA - Years passed in Philadelphia with sports fans around the globe howling, how could the city erect a statue of Rocky Balboa but not one for real boxing Hall of Famer and famous resident Joe Frazier?The answer: The statue was nothing more than a movie prop left behind once "Rocky III" filming was finished so it could stand as a tourist attraction.
No offense, Smokin’ Joe.A similar question arose this week, with former Eagles coach Doug Pederson bringing his Jacksonville Jaguars to Philly.Why is a statue of Pederson and QB Nick Foles commemorating the most famous play in team history — and on the short list of great ones in Super Bowl lore — wedged in between gates in a hard-to-find spot across the street from Lincoln Financial Field?
Because again, the 9-foot tall bronze statue that honored the trick play that won the Eagles their only Super Bowl was donated by a beer company and not bestowed from the franchise.Eagles fans, though, love the spot.
For selfies. For stories. For just seconds of a reminder of the time Foles ran to the sideline and asked Pederson " You want Philly Philly?" and the coach said "Yeah, let’s do it." Foles then caught a touchdown pass on fourth down and city light poles were never the same.Super Bowl memories and kitschy statues can last forever.Jobs, well, they’re a little less permanent.Pederson was fired less than three years after he led the Eagles to the Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots over a fractured relationship.