The Empire State Building's decision to illuminate in Philadelphia Eagles green following their NFC Championship victory has reignited a familiar controversy, leaving New York sports fans feeling betrayed. The iconic landmark's celebratory display for their NFC East rivals, who triumphed over the Washington Commanders with the help of former Giants running back Saquon Barkley, drew sharp criticism online.
While the Empire State Building's social media post acknowledged the tribute and promised similar recognition for the AFC Champion, the gesture did little to appease disgruntled New Yorkers. This isn't the first time the building has sparked such a reaction; a similar incident occurred two years prior when the Eagles clinched a Super Bowl berth. The building also lit up for the Kansas City Chiefs following their AFC Championship win that same year.
This latest episode comes at a particularly sensitive time for New York football fans. Both the Giants and Jets suffered disappointing seasons, further fueling the frustration over the Empire State Building's perceived allegiance to an out-of-state rival. The Giants, who released Barkley before the season, finished with a dismal 3-14 record, while the Jets concluded at 5-12, extending their playoff drought to over a decade. While the Buffalo Bills offer a glimmer of hope for New York football, their success is contingent on overcoming the formidable Chiefs.
