About Reilly Mile High

Being a Denver Broncos fan comes with its own unique set of struggles. We’ve endured quarterback shuffles, heartbreaking playoff exits, and the constant comparisons to the Peyton Manning glory days. But one thing that Broncos fans rarely think about until it actually happens? Traveling to Philadelphia to watch our team take on the Eagles. Let me tell you—it’s not for the faint of heart.

First, let’s be real: Philly fans have a reputation that precedes them. These are the same fans who once booed Santa Claus and threw snowballs at him. They are infamous for heckling not only the opposing team, but sometimes even their own players if they’re having an off day. If you walk into Lincoln Financial Field sporting orange and blue, you might as well be wearing a neon sign that says, “Please yell at me.” There’s an unspoken intimidation factor that comes with sitting in a stadium full of Eagles fans, who treat every game like a war. You’re not just the enemy—you’re the target practice.

The tailgate alone can make a visiting fan second-guess their life choices. Philly tailgates are legendary for their energy, passion, and let’s be honest—intensity. As a Broncos fan, showing up in your Von Miller jersey is like showing up to a family reunion uninvited. The grills are blazing, the music is blasting, and the insults start before you’ve even opened your first can of beer. There’s a certain look Philly fans give you—a mixture of disbelief and pity, as if to say, “Why would you willingly come here to suffer?”

Inside the stadium, it only gets more nerve-wracking. When the Eagles are winning (and let’s face it, in recent years they’ve had plenty of wins to celebrate), the energy is electric. But if you’re rooting for Denver in the middle of that sea of green, every clap, every cheer feels like a direct challenge to everyone around you. You want to celebrate when the Broncos make a big play, but you also want to avoid becoming the center of attention for the wrong reasons. It’s a balancing act—cheer just loud enough to support your team, but not so loud that you find yourself showered in insults—or worse, soft pretzels.

And then there’s the psychological side of it. Broncos fans are used to high altitudes and Rocky Mountain hospitality. Philly? It’s gritty, loud, and unapologetically in-your-face. Walking into Lincoln Financial feels like stepping onto foreign turf where the rules of fandom are rewritten. It’s not just about football; it’s about survival. You begin questioning whether that orange jersey was a good idea, or if you should have opted for neutral colors and silently cheered under your breath.

breath.

But here’s the thing—beneath all the fear and chaos, there’s a strange respect that grows out of the experience. Philly fans may be ruthless, but they’re also fiercely loyal. They live and breathe Eagles football in a way that makes you respect the culture, even if you’re on the receiving end of their taunts. Going to Philly as a Broncos fan is scary, yes, but it’s also unforgettable. It’s the kind of experience that gives you a story to tell for the rest of your life—like climbing a mountain you barely thought you could survive.

So, should you do it? If you’ve got thick skin, a good sense of humor, and maybe a backup hoodie to cover your Broncos jersey if things get too heated—absolutely. Just know that Philly doesn’t do “casual fandom.” You’re stepping into the heart of one of the rowdiest, most passionate football cities in America. And for that reason alone, it’s terrifying—and oddly thrilling—to go to Philly as a Broncos fan.