Why Philadelphia Eagles Fans CANNOT Boo Donovan McNabb

On Sunday, former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb returns to the City of Brotherly Love as a member of the Washington Redskins, in what is unquestionably one of the most anticipated games of the regular season. Practically the entire week has been devoted to the discussion of Philly fans and whether or not they will boo quarterback Donovan McNabb when he steps onto Lincoln Financial Field.

First of all, McNabb isn't the only former Eagle to return to the only city he had ever played for. The same thing happened to future Hall of Fame safety Brian Dawkins when he returned to Philadelphia last December.

Brian Dawkins wasn't booed. He was cheered and given a lengthy standing ovation. But Dawkins played the Eagles in a Denver Broncos uniform, and nobody would consider Broncos-Eagles to be anything resembling a rivalry. Plus, the Eagles had clinched a playoff spot and were riding a five-game winning streak.

This one is different. Much, much different. This is a six-time Pro Bowl quarterback returning to the only city and fans he had ever known in a Redskins uniform. This is Washington-Philadelphia, and that's never been a good thing.

McNabb's relationship with the Philly fans during his time in Philadelphia could best be described as rocky. McNabb never understood that Eagles fans weren't booing him when he was drafted with the second overall pick in the 1999 draft-- they were booing management. But Donovan, whether he would admit it or not, still holds a grudge from this incident over 11 years ago.

He shouldn't though. Whether or not Philly fans were too hard on McNabb during his time in Philadelphia, all intelligent fans would agree that he was one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. It may take a few years, but over time, Eagles fans everywhere will realize the accomplishments of arguably the top quarterback in franchise history.

So I'm begging you, anybody who reads this article, please don't. Don't boo the longest-tenured quarterback in franchise history. Please. Just don't do it.

If McNabb was a Cowboy or even a Giant, it would be pretty difficult to not boo him. But he's a Washington Redskin, and while we don't like them, they're not even close to the same hatred level as the other two NFC East teams.

Eagles fans, let me tell you something else. If we boo Donovan McNabb, we're never going to hear the end of it. Ever.

This is what everybody wants. The media absolutely wants us to boo McNabb. They want another story about ruthless and heartless Philadelphia fans.

We have a pretty poor reputation among the general public. Philadelphia fans are considered to be among the most hostile, psychotic fans in the country.

If we boo McNabb during introductions on Sunday, this will rank up with the Santa Claus incident of 1968. The snowball incident of 1989. The Michael Irvin incident of 1999. The jail in old Veterans Stadium.

Let's do something to change that reputation. We have an opportunity on Sunday to express our gratitude to Donovan McNabb for the 11 years of service he provided for us.

McNabb's done nothing wrong. He didn't want to leave Philadelphia. He wanted to stay and continue his quest to win a Super Bowl. No, he didn't win a Super Bowl, and whether you believe he actually vomited during the game's final few minutes, one thing is for certain. He played his heart out, like always. (By the way, how did that drive end? With a touchdown.)

The Eagles are 2-1 and trying to prove that they are the best team in the NFC East. The Redskins are 1-2, needing a win to stay in the NFC East race. The game is going to be a typical NFC East battle and emotions will be riding extra high.

Let's make sure our emotions are the right ones at the beginning. Whether or not you were a McNabb fan, he deserves our cheers. Even if you don't want to do it for him, do it for the rest of the fanbase.