
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Avonte Maddox (29) returns an interception against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
Eagles? Steelers? Ravens? Browns? Bills? Jets? Giants? Who ya got, Pennsylvania?
While we have NFL teams conveniently representing both the eastern and western part of the commonwealth, Pennsylvanians’ football allegiances aren’t necessarily defined by state borders.
The Baltimore Ravens and Washington Commanders have a strong legion of fans in Pennsylvania’s south-central region. Out west, you’ll find Cleveland Browns fans near the Ohio border, and even some Buffalo Bills fans closer to the New York state line.
In NEPA, plenty of folks root for New York’s other teams, the Giants and the Jets (you know, the New York teams that play in New Jersey). The Steelers still have plenty of fans in lower Bucks County, from when US Steel was based there years ago. And let’s not forget about the dreaded Dallas Cowboys, “America’s Team.” Their fans are everywhere (unfortunately).
Given Pennsylvania’s mixed bag of football fandom, in a recent edition of our newsletter (which you can subscribe to here) we asked: What’s your favorite NFL team and why?
Here’s what you had to say:
“Yes, I live in Pennsylvania, but I’m a Colts/Ravens fan for life, like a lot of people who grew up in and around York.” – Dan T., Shiloh
“I root for the Cleveland Browns, originally from Ohio.” – Theresa Swain, Tioga
“Steelers fan forever. Grew up in Johnstown, now living in Lancaster.” – Ken Knapp, Lancaster
“Ravens. My son, too, who lives in Macungie.” – Dottie Lentini, Kulpmont
“I have been a Buffalo Bills fan for 53 years. I belong to the most enormous Bills fanbase in Pennsylvania with a membership of 2,100 in Pittsburgh.” – Lou Hancherick, Harmony
“My favorite team is the Eagles, of course, because my boyfriend (nickname Sporticus) would leave me otherwise! Ha!” – Dale, Philadelphia
“I have been a die hard Eagles fan since 1963. I was stationed at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita. Kan., and stayed after my term was up. I kept my allegiance to Philly.” – Dennis Warnock, born and raised in Chambersburg
“Eagles, when in public here at home. Though I admit — shhh… — I prefer the 49ers. Something in their play, style, and strategy, along with how they look.” – Melanie Goodman Dante, Conshohocken
“Giants, which is not uncommon here where I am in NEPA. But it sucked before you could get a package with all the games because I used to have to drive about 15 miles away sometimes to watch Giants games years ago.” – Tommy Mastini, Dallas
Support Our Cause
Thank you for taking the time to read our work. Before you go, we hope you'll consider supporting our values-driven journalism, which has always strived to make clear what's really at stake for Pennsylvanians and our future.
Since day one, our goal here at The Keystone has always been to empower people across the commonwealth with fact-based news and information. We believe that when people are armed with knowledge about what's happening in their local, state, and federal governments—including who is working on their behalf and who is actively trying to block efforts aimed at improving the daily lives of Pennsylvania families—they will be inspired to become civically engaged.


2024 in pop culture: In a bruising year, we sought out fantasy, escapism—and cute little animals
By JOCELYN NOVECK AP National Writer NEW YORK (AP) — I'll get you, my pretty! And your little pygmy hippo, too! Forgive us the shameless attempt to...

From ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ to ‘Rudolph’: The Pennsylvania connections to the holiday classics you love
Did you know that some of the most classic Christmas movies have Pennsylvania connections? Read on to find out what they are. Some of the most...

Philadelphians channel their inner Italian Stallion at Rocky and Adrian look-alike contest
The Rocky and Adrian look-alike contest was part of Philadelphia's annual RockyFest, which celebrates the classic film franchise that used the city...

7 Pennsylvania holiday traditions that capture the spirit of the season
From boilo to Belsnickel, we're highlighting different ways Pennsylvanians celebrate the holidays throughout the state. If you’re in NEPA, there’s...

Meet the young woman preserving the history of Lehigh Valley’s LGBTQ+ community in an archive
Tiersa Curry wants to make an important point. “LGBTQ history doesn’t just happen in big cities. You can look in your own town.” The 26-year-old...