how did the philadelphia eagles get their name

How Did the Philadelphia Eagles Get Their Name?

The Philadelphia Eagles got their name in 1933 when Bert Bell and Lud Wray, the team’s founders, were granted an NFL franchise. They chose the name “Eagles” to honor President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s National Recovery Act (NRA), which used the eagle as its symbol.

The Birth of the Eagles: Replacing the Yellow Jackets

Before the Eagles, Philadelphia had another NFL team: the Yellow Jackets. However, the Yellow Jackets folded due to financial problems. In 1933, Bert Bell and Lud Wray secured an NFL franchise for Philadelphia. They needed a new team name, and they sought one that would resonate with the city and the nation.

Inspired by the National Recovery Act

The United States was in the midst of the Great Depression, and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal programs were gaining traction. One of the key initiatives was the National Recovery Act (NRA), aimed at stimulating economic recovery. The NRA’s symbol was the American bald eagle.

Bell and Wray felt the eagle represented strength, freedom, and resilience – qualities they wanted associated with their new football team. Choosing the “Eagles” was a patriotic move, aligning the team with the Roosevelt administration’s efforts to revitalize the country. It was also meant to differentiate the new franchise from the defunct Yellow Jackets.

A Symbol of Strength and Hope

The eagle has remained the team’s symbol ever since, representing the city of Philadelphia’s spirit. Over the years, the Eagles have gone through periods of success and struggle, but the name has always been a reminder of the hope and determination that characterized the nation during the Great Depression. You can read more about the team’s history on Wikipedia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Philadelphia Eagles choose the name “Eagles”?

The name was chosen to honor President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s National Recovery Act (NRA), which used the eagle as its symbol.

What was the name of the Philadelphia NFL team before the Eagles?

The previous team was called the Yellow Jackets.

When did the Philadelphia Eagles get their name?

The team was named in 1933 when the franchise was established.

Did Bert Bell and Lud Wray own the Eagles together?

Yes, they were co-founders and owners of the team.

What does the eagle symbolize for the Philadelphia Eagles?

It symbolizes strength, freedom, resilience, and patriotism.

Summary

The Philadelphia Eagles adopted their name in 1933 from the NRA’s symbol, the eagle. This choice by founders Bert Bell and Lud Wray linked the team to President Roosevelt’s recovery efforts during the Great Depression, embodying strength and resilience. The name has remained a constant symbol of the team and city’s spirit.