The Philadelphia Eagles versus Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship is a matchup I never anticipated. Despite its significance, the game offers little excitement for me. The only way it could have been worse is if it were held in Dallas, which adds to the difficulty of facing teams from my division.
Rivalries Rooted in Childhood: The NFC East Struggles
Growing up near FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, shaped my view of NFL fandom. As a New York Giants fan, I found myself rooting as much against NFC East rivals, like Washington and Dallas, as I did for my team. These rivalries were deeply personal and defined my early football experiences.
For me, the legacy of the Giants’ past Super Bowl victories was distant. The 1987 and 1991 championships happened before my time, leaving me to admire legends from afar. By the time I became a fan, the Giants’ glory years felt distant, and I was left clinging to whatever moments of success I could find.
The 2001 Super Bowl and Growing Hatred for Rivals
The 2001 Super Bowl cemented my hatred for rival teams. While the Giants’ loss to the Baltimore Ravens was painful, it fueled my disdain for the division’s other teams. Their continued success was something I couldn’t bear, and the Philadelphia Eagles soon emerged as my prime target, further fueling my frustration.
Despite the Giants’ struggles and brief moments of glory, my hatred for NFC East teams never wavered. The Eagles’ dominance under Andy Reid only added to my animosity, while Eli Manning’s 2008 and 2012 Super Bowl victories kept my passion alive. The rivalry between the Eagles and Commanders remains intense, and this NFC Championship clash feels like my personal hell.
