Still from video posted to twitter by @TailgateTed
Commanders superfan "Tailgate Ted" did not have a great trip to Philadelphia for the NFC Championship game.
First, Ted was relentlessly mocked online for asserting at a tourist restaurant that his band of Commanders fans, numbering in the dozens, "took over this place." At least one member of his travel party declared that Commanders fans had not only taken over the Hard Rock Cafe on Market St., but also taken over the entire city of Philadelphia.
Guys talking like they just stormed the beaches at Normandy when all they did was dine at the Hard Rock Cafe on Market pic.twitter.com/yMmnqvSrmv
— Jeff McDevitt (@JeffMcDev) January 26, 2025
TAKING OVER PHILLY!!! #raisehail pic.twitter.com/9nFeBjb9O9
— Mahima Bones (@MahimaBones) January 26, 2025
No offense and I mean this sincerely, but does anyone even know where the Hard Rock Cafe even is?
— Bryson Stott (@bryson_stott10) January 26, 2025
It’s very fitting that they went to the Hard Rock Cafe because that’s another franchise that hasn’t been relevant since 1991
— Literally an Even Worse Joker IRL (@FanSince09) January 26, 2025
Next, Ted watched his Commanders get lit up 55-23 at Lincoln Financial Field. He was taunted in the stands while the Eagles abused Washington on the field.
"Congrats on the Hard Rock... Great takeover last night" 😂pic.twitter.com/q3wVp2BGtE https://t.co/YN7B4yUu2M
— Barstool Philly (@BarstoolPhilly) January 27, 2025
Then a funny thing happened.
Tailgate Ted challenged Eagles fans to help out his fundraiser to fight lung cancer. And, one week after raising tens of thousands of dollars for California wildfire victims in advance of the Birds' game against the Rams, Eagles fans stepped up again.
Thank you Tony and all of the other Eagles fans that have donated to my @HailBBQ Crew’s Cancer Fundraiser. Before the weekend we were at $8,500. Because of you all, we are at $16k to help Tackle Lung Cancer.
— Tailgate Ted (@TailgateTed) January 29, 2025
If anyone else wants to donate to a good cause here is the link.… https://t.co/BBh6szsgvD pic.twitter.com/X1pUnIe2vR
It's fascinating how visiting fans continuously fails to grasp a fairly simple concept: A few dumdums who go viral do not represent the character of an entire fan base.
So let's spell out some facts as simply as we can. Birds fans:
- do not want your team to win;
- are not at the game to ensure that you have a pleasant time;
- will probably take offense to claims that you've "taken over" their sports venues (or the city itself); and
- can still be kindhearted individuals who recognize that the world is bigger than football.
Another Eagles fan here just donated. God Bless and
— GracieSummer (@PatriotWontQuit) January 29, 2025
let' s get to your goal!
If you're interested in donating to Tailgate Ted's fundraiser, you can find it here. At nearly $18,000 worth of donations as of Wednesday morning, the effort is closing in on a $20,000 goal.
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