“You look at all the players that Philadelphia holds true to them and who they respect, all the guys that came before you, and they all fit that mold of tough, hard-nosed, physical, try-hard guys.” – Jason Kelce pic.twitter.com/hFZq2BqJhz
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 21, 2021
Ben Simmons and his battle with the 76ers has made its way over to the NovaCare Complex, where the Eagles are preparing for the Raiders in Week 7.
The two sides have collided after Zach Ertz was traded to the Cardinals, and exited in a classy manner, offering praise to Philly fans, taking out a full-page ad in The Inquirer, while fully embracing the culture of fandom in this sometimes gritty city.
Simmons has made it clear that he wants to be traded and fan reactions have reportedly played a part in the point guard’s dismay with the current situation.
On Thursday, star center and Eagles legend, Jason Kelce was asked about Simmons, and he pulled not one single punch in breaking down how you can win over fans in the city of Philadelphia.
“Everybody can bitch and complain about how tough this city is to play in. Just play better man, this city will love you.”
Kelce went on to question Simmons taking “accountability” for not improving and not responding accordingly when challenged. The future Hall of Fame center advised Simmons and others on “writing your narrative” as an athlete in this city while being conscious of the fact that your time spent in Philadelphia as an athlete is a single blip on what you do as a person in your lifetime.
Kelce slightly pandered to the fanbase somewhat, because booing and voicing your displeasure as a fan is fair game, but not many players in any profession are going to respond well to being called a loser or coward or what many refer to as “just a game”.
The Eagles center is likely playing his final season in Philadelphia and his outlook on being a player in a tough, hard-nosed city can hopefully help the players who are currently here or set to become future fixtures in the city, but at what cost.
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