"I know that we go out on the field in a road game and it feels like we're at home, that makes a huge difference," tight end Zach Ertz said last season. "At home, it's crazy every week. We love it. We appreciate the way our fans support the team. We know how special these fans are. I talk to guys around the league and they wish their fans were like Eagles fans."

EaglesEverywhere. It's never been more of a fact. The trip to London last season, meeting fans from, literally, around the world, was eye-opening. It was remarkable to hear the stories of how fans from all reaches of the world fell in love with the Eagles and what this football team means to them.

When veteran safety Andrew Sendejo signed in free agency with the Eagles, he recalled the tough times his former team, Minnesota, had played at Lincoln Financial Field, particularly in the NFC Championship Game in the 2017 playoffs. And Sendejo genuinely expressed happiness that he'll now be on the favored side of the crowd in South Philadelphia.

"Obviously being an opponent coming here has always been tough, so I'm looking forward to being of the good side of that now," Sendejo said. "I'm excited to just be here and have the fans cheering for me as opposed to screaming at me."

It is more than just being loud and proud and passionate that separates Eagles fans from the rest in the league. Manning is correct in that "it runs in the families" with Eagles fans. Generations of families have shared their love of the team. That's admirable. That's strong family love. That's great parenting. I'm not sure there are many other NFL teams that can point to the bond that exists between the fabric of their cities and every aspect of the football operation.

So, in a very unusual way, Eli Manning deserves some thanks, too. He pointed out what's been true for so long, and what bears mentioning: Lincoln Financial Field is a great homefield advantage for the Eagles and the fans deserve so much of the credit. I know what the team is doing to prepare for the draft is what everyone is talking about, and I'm excited, too. But in this moment, I just wanted to make sure that Manning's comments did not go unnoticed and that they were put in the correct context to appreciate.