From Deseret News archives:
Can Philly shed loser image?
None of Philadelphia's four major professional teams have won a championship since the 76ers captured the NBA title in 1983, and they've won only nine titles in more than 120 years. They've come close several times, only to disappoint their long-suffering fans who are accustomed to agonizing losses and heartbreaking finishes.
The Eagles hope to end the 22-year title drought by defeating the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl next Sunday. A win would spark a frenzied celebration in this championship-starved city.
"When I came to Philly in 1977, all I ever heard about was the parade the Flyers got when they won the Stanley Cup," said Ron Jaworski, quarterback of the 1980 Eagles, the only other time Philadelphia reached the Super Bowl. "I can't even imagine what it would be like if they won the Super Bowl."
Jaworski, now an NFL television analyst, was on the field for the final seconds of the Eagles' victory over Atlanta in the NFC championship game last Sunday. He understood the magnitude of the win, especially since the Eagles had lost the last three conference title games, including two losses at home.
"This is the most passionate football community in the country," Jaworski said. "They've supported their team through good years and bad. They endured the three devastating championship losses. It seems all those memories were erased on Sunday. The outcome of the game affected the mood of the entire city and I can tell you people are walking around town with a swagger like you've never seen before."
They won't be strutting around if the Eagles lose to the Patriots. "Nobody cares if you lose. They only remember if you win the big game," said season ticketholder Joe Parisi.
In Philly, it's easy to remember the championship teams because so few have won it all. It's easier to recall the failures.
The Eagles have won three NFL championships in 72 years, but none since 1960. The 76ers have won three titles in 56 years. The Flyers have won two Stanley Cups in 37 years, but none since 1975. The Phillies have won just one World Series (1980) since their inception in 1883, and have lost more games than any team in sports.
Fans in Boston and Chicago can sympathize. The Red Sox went 86 years without winning a World Series until last October. The Cubs haven't won a World Series since 1908 and the White Sox last won it in 1917.
But, the Patriots won two Super Bowls in the last three years and the Celtics won numerous NBA championships over those years. And the Chicago Bears won a Super Bowl and the Bulls won six NBA titles in the past two decades.
