Philadelphia, PA – June 3, 2025
The Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off their Super Bowl LIX triumph, are under fire for their Pride Month initiatives, with critics slamming the team’s efforts as performative and lacking genuine commitment. As June kicks off, the Eagles have rolled out gestures supporting the LGBTQ+ community via social media and events at Lincoln Financial Field, but skepticism is mounting among fans and observers.
Each year, the Eagles mark Pride Month with actions like swapping their X logo for a rainbow version and showcasing a Pride-themed mural at Pepsi Plaza, created by LGBTQ+ artist Tiffany Urquhart. In 2023, the 10-foot-high, 24-foot-wide mural, blending football motifs with vibrant rainbow hues, was hailed as a symbol of inclusion. Yet, some on X call it a hollow PR stunt. “The Eagles just slap on rainbows for Pride Month,” one user posted. “They change a logo, but where’s the real support?”
The term “rainbow washing”—when organizations use LGBTQ+ symbols to polish their image without meaningful action—dominates the criticism. Fortune notes that companies often face backlash for selective Pride support, focusing solely on June without year-round efforts. Despite the Eagles’ ties to groups like the Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League (GPFFL) to uplift the LGBTQ+ community, detractors argue the team’s long-term commitment falls short.
Some fans point out the Eagles’ lack of consistent advocacy beyond June, such as sponsoring community events or backing anti-discrimination laws. “They do a mural, post a tweet, and call it a day. That’s not real allyship,” one fan vented on X. Supporters counter that gestures like Urquhart’s mural, which she said reflects the adaptability of the queer community, are steps forward.
Critics also highlight inconsistencies across the NFL. Per Fox News, 10 teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs, skipped public Pride Month support in 2024, while the Eagles’ efforts were limited to a logo swap without a dedicated tweet. This fuels suspicions that Philly’s moves are just enough to dodge controversy.
Eagles fans are split on X. “They’re trying, but a logo and mural aren’t enough,” one wrote. Another defended the team: “Philly does more than most teams—can’t please everyone!” Some urge the Eagles to emulate brands like American Eagle, which funds the It Gets Better Project and supports LGBTQ+ causes year-round.
With 2025 training camp looming, pressure is on GM Howie Roseman and coach Nick Sirianni to prove the Eagles’ commitment isn’t just for show. Can the team turn rhetoric into real action? Stay tuned for updates from Philly!
