On May 8, a Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl LII mural was dedicated at Spike’s Trophies, 2701 Grant Ave.
The performance that the Philadelphia Eagles delivered in Minneapolis for Super Bowl LII was indeed a work of art.
It’s only right that a mural was created to commemorate the franchise’s first Super Bowl victory.
On May 8, at Spike’s Trophies, 2701 Grant Ave., a Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl LII mural was dedicated. The mural was created by David McShane.
Just three years prior, McShane, of Mural Arts Philadelphia, created the City of Champions mural, which includes Philadelphia athletes from a wide range of sports from the past century.
Now that the Eagles have finally captured that elusive Lombardi Trophy, McShane knew it was only right to honor them the best way he knew how.
“Such a moment in our city’s history deserved its own wall space,” he said.
Each artist would put their own spin on a work of art like this, but McShane thought about a couple of key plays that helped put the Birds over the top.
“What I did is I thought, what are the moments that gave us a chance to cheer and to get our confidence finally really soaring,” said McShane.
The first touchdown that the Eagles scored in the game was a reception by Alshon Jeffery. This certainly fit the criteria for the muralist. The last touchdown reception of the game caught by tight end Zach Ertz also is depicted in the mural. Brandon Graham’s strip sack of Tom Brady in the latter part of the fourth quarter was the biggest defensive play of the game for the Eagles. McShane had to highlight that pivotal moment as well.
Those three plays were key in the Eagles victory, but McShane knew he had to draw out the one specific play call that, still to this moment, should give chills to Philadelphians.
“Of course, to the most memorable play in Eagles history, the Philly Special with…..the most unlikely of heroes who pulled it off,” said McShane.
The touchdown pass caught by quarterback Nick Foles on fourth down in the second quarter was certainly one of the gutsiest calls in NFL history. That play will forever live in the minds of Eagles fans and forever on the wall of Spike’s.
Coach Doug Pederson, who teamed with Foles to make the call, is pictured on the mural as well.
McShane talked about a team that just did their jobs without complaining and getting the results needed.
People from all walks of life rooting for the Eagles that night came together as one, which showed how special of a win this was for the city.
“The mural shows us the unifying power of sports and it’s represented in a quintessential way by this recent victory by the Eagles,” said Jane Golden, executive director of Mural Arts Philadelphia.
Of course, a Super Bowl victory warranted the party of a lifetime in the streets of Philadelphia. When the Super Bowl champs arrived back in Philly, all eyes were on the parade and who would leave the most memorable mark on the historic day. This, without a doubt, went to Jason Kelce.
The center, decked out in Mummers gear, delivered a passionate speech on the steps of the art museum that capped off how everyone felt about the team. McShane knew he had to pay homage to Kelce’s underdog speech.
“I put that in because I really wanted a symbol of all the celebration that started the night of Feb. 4 that continues right here today and that will actually continue to continue for who knows how long,” said McShane.
After McShane’s impassioned speech, state Rep. Ed Neilson asked the crowd, “How do you follow that?”
The address concluded with Eagles Hall of Famer Bill Bergey leading the crowd in an “E-A-G-L-E-S, EAGLES” chant.
Although the party still feels like it hasn’t ended, Spike’s Trophies is open to having more historic Philadelphia sports moments highlighted on its walls.
“We hope to fill this wall in the coming years with additional championships,” said Keith Baldwin, CEO of Spike’s Trophies.
The Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame also has a gallery that is open to the public inside Spike’s Trophies on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon and by appointment. ••
John Cole can be reached at [email protected]
