BELLAIRE • MEMORIAL • RIVER OAKS • TANGLEWOOD • WEST UNIVERSITY

Fly, Eagles fly

By Noah Sonabend, age 15 | February 24, 2025

Click the Buzz Me button to receive email notifications when this writer publishes a new article or a new article in this column is published.

Rona Sonabend, Noah Sonabend, Mia Sonabend, Michael Sonabend

MAKING THE PASS Noah Sonabend, a ninth grader at The Emery/Weiner School, talks about how watching football with his dad has been a special tradition for him and his sister. Pictured: Noah, along with his mom Rona, younger sister Mia, and dad Michael, loved watching the Eagles play in this year’s Super Bowl.

"Fly, Eagles fly.” I must have heard that slogan at least a hundred times growing up. Born and raised in Philadelphia, my dad is a diehard Eagles fan, one of many avid supporters of the infamous football team. Even as he made the transition to Houston, my dad kept the Eagles with him everywhere he went, a constant reminder of his roots. This “brotherly love,” so important to my dad, eventually found its way to me, and now my younger sister.

From as early as three years old, Sundays at noon meant sitting in front of the TV with my hat and jersey on, cheering on a team that was so important to our family. If I reflect back on these moments, I can remember my dad pausing the game at random times, ecstatic to teach his son the difference between a cover 0, and a strong safety blitz. Our tradition of watching these games together has lasted 15 years. Not one game has passed that my dad and I weren't together cheering on our Eagles.

Fast forward to the present day, my dad and I have just watched the last game of the season together, as the Eagles defeated the Chiefs in New Orleans for the 59th Super Bowl. Through four quarters of beautiful football, we screamed in a mix of anger and joy at the TV, cheering on our precious team. Being able to watch and celebrate a moment as special as a Super Bowl win, and honor a lasting tradition, I felt closer than ever to my dad, and all of my family who call Philadelphia home.

While Houston is where I live, at times I feel like Philadelphia is where I belong, my true home. To the vast majority of people, the Eagles are just any other sports team, but to me the team represents home and belonging. A home, full of cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, history, and independence. A home, where I truly belong.

Want to be a Buzz Kid? Email approximately 350 words, a high-resolution photo and caption to [email protected].