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‘My dad told me he’s finally okay to die now’ – Eagles star Dallas Goedert relives one of his first conversations in Philadelphia

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ryan Roberts | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 4:08 PM ET

What a time it is to be a Philadelphia Eagles fan. After a long time of suffering and frustration, the last eight years have been filled with a ton of highs, exciting moments, and life changing experiences. That includes two Super Bowl victories, something this Eagles fanbase was desperate for.

In a recent interview with A to Z Sports Philadelphia Eagles, star tight end Dallas Goedert went in depth on his offseason, and coming off of the Super Bowl. It shouldn’t have been much of a surprise, but Goedert spoke glowingly about his experience with the organization and his excitement to be back in 2025.

When asked specifically about his early thoughts on Philadelphia, particularly when he was selected out of South Dakota State in the 2018 NFL Draft, Goedert discussed a bit of a culture shock. That included his first experience in Philadelphia, which put into context the intensity that this fanbase brings. It’s a lot more than just a game to many of them.

“Obviously being from South Dakota, playing my entire high school and college career in South Dakota, it was quite a bit different. I thought Brookings was a big town, and it's a town of 15,000 people, maybe. So coming to Philadelphia was interesting.

I remember my first Uber ride that I got. It was after they won the Super Bowl, and the Uber driver said my dad told me he's finally okay to die now, because the Eagles finally won a Super Bowl. So I got a really early look at how passionate the Eagles fans are. It's been incredible. I feel like they've embraced me very well. The city is awesome. I enjoy everything about it. Playing for a fan base that's passionate makes doing my job just that much more fun.”

It might sound intense to some, especially those who don’t like sports, but that random Uber driver wasn’t the first to have that type of experience. Growing up outside of Philadelphia myself, this fanbase did suffer for a long time. For most, they never knew what winning a championship was like. Their lives were filled with constant disappointment after getting so close, so many times.

From the outside, the Philadelphia fanbase is one that is despised by a lot of people. They are an intense group that love and hate to the highest degree, but that’s also what sets them a part. Whether the team is good or bad, you can always depend on Eagles fans showing up.

That story encapsulates exactly why Goedert wanted to return this offseason. For a second, it felt like his days were numbered, until they weren’t. There’s a good chance that he retires as an Eagles, experiencing the best era of the franchise’s history.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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