Philadelphia’s Merrill Reese has been calling games since 1977 and with Eagles fans in the grips of throwback fever thanks to kelly green uniforms, the 80-year-old announcer decided to share some old bling.
Merrill Reese says he was given this #Eagles chain as a gift in 1980 after starring in a TV show with Ron Jaworski. He says he has not taken it off a single time since then, and has been wearing it for 43 straight years. pic.twitter.com/DmbbQbJqNy
— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) August 5, 2023
Turns out he’s been wearing a gold chain with the old Eagles logo since quarterback Ron Jaworski gave it to him as a gift in 1980. Reese claims he hasn’t taken it off in 43 years. It’s a classic piece of jewelry, but is it better than that of current Eagles?
A.J. Brown | JB chain
A reporter asked AJ Brown if his “JB” chain around his neck was for/from his new teammate James Bradberry. His reaction :
— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) August 9, 2022
(via: @Eagles) pic.twitter.com/PKhJdcN6N0
Fans and media alike had a laugh last summer when a reporter asked Brown if the “JB” charm around his neck stood for James Bradberry, the team’s starting cornerback. “Do you think I have another man’s initials around my neck?” he asked.
Sorry Bradberry, the “JB” is for Brown’s daughter, Jersee Brown. It’s a nice chain and a fine gesture, but obviously too confusing to compete with Reese.
Nick Sirianni | Dream Chasers chain
Philadelphia Eagles Nick Sirianni rocking the bling chain after the win pic.twitter.com/YFAqAg1s6Z
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) January 22, 2023
After beating the New York Giants in the divisional round of the playoffs, former Eagles safety C.J Gardner-Johnson gave his head coach the “Dream Chasers” chain last year
The necklace is a reference to Philly-based rapper and artist Meek Mill, whose “Dreams and Nightmares” track served as the Eagles' theme song during their championship run of 2017.
It’s a serious piece of jewelry, but who does it belong to? Did Sirianni keep it or did Gardner-Johnson take it with him to Detroit? Until ownership is established, it can’t compare to Reese’s piece.
Jalen Hurts | Breed of One chain
Jalen Hurts with his Breed Of One chain in the postgame presser. #Eagles pic.twitter.com/yKWU94YqOn
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) January 22, 2023
According to Hurts’ website, the "Breed of 1" concept is based on his mantra of striving to be the best version of himself and not letting others define his identity. The chain looks expensive, but after signing a five-year, $55M contract extension, the quarterback should have no problems making payments.
The new chain has a lot going on, but not enough to beat a lovable octogenarian with a chain nearly twice Hurts’ age. Maybe he’ll win some better jewelry next February in Super Bowl LVIII.
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