Eagles Fans’ Longstanding Grudge Against Cris Collinsworth Persists

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Eagles fans have long memories, especially when it comes to Cris Collinsworth. The NBC announcer, who has called games for 16 seasons, remains a polarizing figure in Philadelphia, with many fans still harboring resentment over his commentary during Super Bowl LII.

Collinsworth, a former Cincinnati Bengals receiver, acknowledged the unique dynamic of Eagles fans during a recent visit to Philadelphia ahead of the divisional round playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams. “It’s part of the reason I love coming here,” Collinsworth said. “The great thing about Eagles fans is they believe that they’re unique in not being happy with things that I’ve done over the years.”

The roots of the disdain trace back to Super Bowl LII, when Collinsworth questioned two Eagles touchdown catches by Corey Clement and Zach Ertz, suggesting they should be overturned. While he later conceded the calls were correct, his initial skepticism struck a nerve with Philadelphia fans. “I’ve listened to talk radio in Philadelphia,” Collinsworth said. “It’s okay for them to criticize their team, but don’t come in and criticize my family from outside.”

Despite the criticism, Collinsworth embraces the passionate fanbase. He often engages with locals to gain insight into the team’s dynamics. “The people that work at the local restaurant, they’ve seen every Eagles game for the past 40 years. So yeah, I’m going to lean on their perspective,” he said. “It also gives you a feel for what their worries are about, because Eagles fans are pretty good at that, too.”

Philadelphia isn’t alone in its strong opinions about Collinsworth. Fans in New England recall his mention of “Deflategate” during Super Bowl XLIX, while Buffalo fans cite his admiration for Patrick Mahomes, and Chiefs fans point to his praise of Josh Allen. “The number one question I get in every town I go to, including Cincinnati, is ‘Why do you hate the fill-in-the-blank of whatever team it is?’” Collinsworth said. “That’s the reality of my job. No matter where I go, people think I hate their team and only their team.”

As the Eagles continue their playoff run, the team’s Road to Victory Bus Tour, sponsored by Ticketmaster, is making stops across the region. The tour, which began on Fairmount Avenue in Philadelphia, features exclusive swag, special guests, and chances to win playoff tickets. The final stop at the Blue Cross River Rink will include live coverage from NBC10 and a Q&A with Eagles experts from NBC Sports Philadelphia.

For Collinsworth, the passion of Eagles fans is a testament to their dedication. “If you’re mad at me, that’s all right,” he said. “Everybody gets mad at me sometimes.”