Philadelphia Eagles fans are known for many things. Their passion and loyalty can sometimes be seen as overly aggressive and hostile to opposing players and fans.
Yes, you.
And …
Not everyone is comfortable with how Eagles fans react during or after games. Those that do, though, are given their props by the fanbase for years afterward.
That happened with Los Angeles Rams defensive rookie of the year Jared Verse. After two meetings last year, the former first-round edge rusher has endeared himself to the Eagles and their fans.
Before the two teams faced off in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs, Verse made it clear that he "hated" Eagle fans. He backed up that talk in a two-sack effort despite his team losing 28-22.
Since that loss, Verse's hatred for the opposing fans hasn't changed, but he has a new-found and shocking respect for the millions around the country who cheer on Philadelphia.
In an interview with Casey Rieger of Whistle Sports this week, Verse called the Eagles' fanbase the toughest crowd to play in front of.
"Playing the Eagles is like playing your rival in college because you never know what they're going to say, and they're going to try to say disrespectful stuff," Verse said. "Don't get me wrong, they're not going to say anything where it's like, 'Bro, you crossed the line.' But they're going to say something where you're like, 'Hey, who you talking to?'"
Verse is not the first, nor will he be the last player to have a complicated relationship with Philadelphia. From Hall-of-Famers to bottom-of-the roster individuals alike, Lincoln Financial Field has become a house of horrors for many in football.
But there is a silver lining to Verse's comments.
Because the Florida State product not only talked the talk but also walked the walk in his two matchups against Philly, Eagle fans everywhere have a certain respect for the defensive star.
"I legitimately like Jared Verse. Dudes a dawg and I love his attitude," one fan on X/Twitter said after Verse's comments.
Playing in Philadelphia is not easy for an opposing team, but Verse's performance last season will endear him to those fans going forward.
And will add new intrigue to their upcoming regular season matchup in Week 3.
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