Return Game: Recent Episodes
Philadelphia Eagles
Return Game runs it back like never before. This Official Eagles Podcast takes you deep inside the most iconic moments in Philadelphia Eagles history, bringing you first-hand accounts of unbelievable games, unforgettable plays, unrelenting rivalries, and undeniable characters. Each season of Return Game features a never-heard-before take on a different time, team, personality, or moment in Eagles lore. Buckle up— this is team history straight from the people who lived it.
CB Darius Slay is named the NFC’s Defensive Player of the Week, RB Miles Sanders returns to practice and Slay breaks down the Saints and QB Trevor Sieman as the Eagles return to the practice field on Wednesday at the NovaCare Complex
Return Game: Birds, ‘Boys and Bad Blood presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation is the sweeping story of the Eagles and Cowboys Rivalry.
In this episode Rob and Derrick explore the psychological reasons fans root for one team or the other. They learn some new terms and are joined by Eagles fans and fans from across the NFL. And if you think wearing your special jersey puts your team over the edge, you are not alone.
To experience more of the rivalry between the Birds and the ‘Boys, head over to: https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood . There you’ll find photos, videos, audio clips and more interviews.
Return Game: Birds, ‘Boys and Bad Blood presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation is the sweeping story of the Eagles and Cowboys Rivalry. The National Football League has been around for over 100 years and some of its rivalries have been exciting fans for nearly as long.
This episode is packed with history and tidbits about how the rivalries between the Packers and Bears, the Steelers and Ravens and the Raiders and Chiefs got started.
When the Dallas Cowboys entered the league in 1960 they quickly became the one of the most reviled teams in the NFC East? Why did this happen to the newcomers?
To experience more of the rivalry between the Birds and the ‘Boys, head over to: https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood. There you’ll find photos, videos, audio clips and more interviews.
Return Game: Birds, ‘Boys and Bad Blood presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation is the sweeping story of the Eagles and Cowboys Rivalry. Favorite Eagles and Cowboys rivalry moments told by some of our most famous fans.
Stories from: Carli Lloyd - Eagles Fan and Olympic & World Cup soccer champion Morris Chestnut - Eagles Fan and Actor Colleen Wolfe - Eagles Fan and NFL Media Host Harry Higgs - Eagles Fan and Professional Golfer Tariq Trotter - Eagles Fan, co-founder of The Roots and artist David Borearnaz - Eagles Fan and Actor and Producer Kevin Neghadni - Eagles Fan and ESPN SportsCenter Host DJ Jazzy Jeff - Eagles Fan, DJ and musician Zac Clark - Eagles Fan, co-founder of Release Recovery and a member of #BachelorNation Jim Cramer - Eagles Fan and host of Mad Money
To experience more of the rivalry between the Birds and the ‘Boys, head over to: https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood. There you’ll find photos, videos, audio clips and more interviews.
Return Game: Birds, ‘Boys and Bad Blood presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation is the sweeping story of the Eagles and Cowboys Rivalry. By 2013 the bad blood between the Birds and the ‘Boys had been there for decades with no signs of waning. The Eagles had a new coach and were down in Dallas. It was the de facto NFC East championship game and the pressure was on!
Of course every Eagles fan knows that 2017 was the year the Birds went all the way - finally! But they had to overtake Dallas along on that journey and this game did not disappoint.
In 2019, the fate of the NFC East would again be influenced in a late season matchup between the Eagles and Cowboys. Who would come on top in this one?
To experience more of the rivalry between the Birds and the ‘Boys, head over to: https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood. There you’ll find photos, videos, audio clips and more interviews.
Return Game: Birds, ‘Boys and Bad Blood presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation is the sweeping story of the Eagles and Cowboys Rivalry. TO left the Eagles surrounded in controversy, and fuel is added to the rivalry fire when he's scooped up by the ‘Boys. In 2006, he was coming back to Philly and fans had their popcorn ready as the watched to see what would happen next.
The 2008 season had many bumps along the way but heading into the final game, the Cowboys (and some specific results needed in a few other games that day) were all that stood in the way of the Birds claiming another NFC East title. Would the stars align for the Eagles?
To experience more of the rivalry between the Birds and the ‘Boys, head over to: https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood. There you’ll find photos, videos, audio clips and more interviews.
Return Game: Birds, ‘Boys and Bad Blood presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation is the sweeping story of the Eagles and Cowboys Rivalry. The Birds and 'Boys take their rivalry into the new millennium and celebrate kicking off the Y2K season with a clash. It’s Texas in early September and the Eagles are prepared for anything Dallas has for them including a thermometer that needs to be checked twice to make sure it’s accurate!
In 2004, Donovan McNabb and Terrell Owens had found a partnership that seemed to work on the field. With a strong offense and a powerful defense the Birds flew all the way to the Super Bowl.
By 2005 that momentum was sputtering and TO's future in Philly was left in doubt.
To experience more of the rivalry between the Birds and the ‘Boys, head over to: https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood. There you’ll find photos, videos, audio clips and more interviews.
Return Game: Birds, ‘Boys and Bad Blood presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation is the sweeping story of the Eagles and Cowboys Rivalry. Jeffrey Lurie buys the Birds, and makes some immediate changes. including hiring Ray Rhodes as head coach.
The Birds traded wins with the ‘Boys during this era and fans were ready for it all - wins and losses. Four words from Merrill Reese still live in infamy: “They stop them again!” And Troy Vincent floats to the end zone and silences a stadium of shocked Dallas fans.
To experience more of the rivalry between the Birds and the ‘Boys, head over to: https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood. There you’ll find photos, videos, audio clips and more interviews.
Return Game: Birds, ‘Boys and Bad Blood presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation is the sweeping story of the Eagles and Cowboys Rivalry. Troy Aikman was introduced to the rivalry early in his Hall of Fame career when he met Gang Green--the vaunted Eagles defense. And in 1991, his number was up - or was it his number was 11?
Tragedy struck the Eagles in 1992 when teammate, friend and brother, Jerome Brown died in a car accident. His memory inspired the team to attempt to“Bring it Home for Jerome”.
By 1993, players had secured free agency resulting in the Birds' roster being completely remade. Fans have wondered "what if?" ever since. Meanwhile the ‘Boys stayed relatively intact and continued to dominate.
To experience more of the rivalry between the Birds and the ‘Boys, head over to: https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood. There you’ll find photos, videos, audio clips and more interviews.
Return Game: Birds, ‘Boys and Bad Blood presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation is the sweeping story of the Eagles and Cowboys Rivalry. Arguably one of the greatest contributors to the Birds and 'Boys rivalry, Buddy Ryan loved to stir the pot and fans delighted in what he was cooking. They loved his rift with Tom Landry, they loved it when he would disparage the team in the press and they loved it even more when he led the team in some of the most iconic games of the mid to late 1980s.
This episode is packed full of drama and includes revenge plots, a changing of the guard in Dallas, more payback and snowballs. Buddy really left his mark on this rivalry.
To experience more of the rivalry between the Birds and the ‘Boys, head over to: https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood. There you’ll find photos, videos, audio clips and more interviews.
Return Game: Birds, ‘Boys and Bad Blood presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation is the sweeping story of the Eagles and Cowboys Rivalry. In 1979, the Eagles headed to Dallas where they attempted to beat the defending Super Bowl Champs in Texas Stadium. When the Cowboys scored first, Eagles fans may have felt rumblings of that "not again" dread, whether they cared to admit it.. But the Birds were always full of surprises!
By January 1981, it was here - the game. One that took on as much importance as any previous game in the franchise's history. Dallas was in our house and everything unfolded as Coach Vermeil had planned since his arrival.
To experience more of the rivalry between the Birds and the ‘Boys, head over to: https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood. There you’ll find photos, videos, audio clips and more interviews.
Return Game: Birds, ‘Boys and Bad Blood presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation is the sweeping story of the Eagles and Cowboys Rivalry. The early 1970s was a painful time for Eagles fans, but they knew better days were ahead - how couldn’t they be?!
Tom Landry was coaching the ‘Boys and they were really, really good. After winning the franchise's first Super Bowl in 1972, the Eagles took their best shot in a memorable 1973 showdown.
By 1976, something needed to be done to shake up the team. A college coach from UCLA was just the changemaker the Birds had been waiting for - but it wasn’t going to be easy.
To experience more of the rivalry between the Birds and the ‘Boys, head over to: https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood. There you’ll find photos, videos, audio clips and more interviews.
Return Game: Birds, ‘Boys and Bad Blood presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation is the sweeping story of the Eagles and Cowboys Rivalry. The 60s saw the Philadelphia Eagles experience a stretch of highs and lows. They opened the decade as World Champions, but by the end of the decade the team was struggling to post a winning record.
That indifference ended and the bad blood began all in one fateful game at the Cotton Bowl in December 1967. Hear the story of the play that started it all - the spark from which this rivalry was born.
To experience more of the rivalry between the Birds and the ‘Boys, head over to: https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/birdsboysbadblood. There you’ll find photos, videos, audio clips and more interviews.
Coming May 24: Season 2 of Return Game: Birds, 'Boys, and Bad Blood, presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation, hosted by Rob Ellis and Derrick Gunn. This nine-episode season will take you on a deep dive into the decades-long rivalry between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. It's a rivalry that started when the Eagles were World Champions, and it has spanned decades with no signs of letting up. Sure, you've seen the games, but there's more – so much more – to both sides of the story. You'll hear firsthand from the Eagles legends who lived them. Whether you're an Eagles fan or not, learn why this is one of the fiercest rivalries in sports. Subscribe now, so you don't miss any of the excitement!
Return Game: House of Pain Game presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation takes you deep inside the iconic House of Pain Game.
On December 2, 1991, the final whistle blew in the Houston Astrodome. The Eagles had bested the Houston Oilers in an on the-road-showdown. The outcome was not what the Love Ya Blue fans were expecting. What do they think happened out on the field to explain the loss?
Gang Green, happy with the win, still had three games left that season. They charged into the final stretch of the season with the momentum from that electrifying win, but was it enough to take them into the playoffs in 1991.
And twenty-nine years later, the House of Pain Game is one that stays with you. Hear memories from Seth Joyner, Jeff Kemp, Ray Didinger and Merrill Reese about what that season and game meant to them.
Thank you for listening this season, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what we have planned for next season!
Return Game: House of Pain Game presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation takes you deep inside the iconic House of Pain Game.
The Houston Oilers lead 3-0 at the half. Coming into the game, the Oilers were the favorites to win, but Bud Carson’s nickel defense appeared to be working. The Philadelphia Eagles had contained this usually high-scoring team, so far.
Gang Green is itching to get on the scoreboard. Seth Joyner is still fighting the flu and then early in the third period the Eagles have a QB change.
Will the Oilers get their impossible to beat, run and shoot offense up and running or can the Birds come from behind and leave the Astrodome victorious?
The second half starts now!
Our plan is to release a bonus episode of Return Game: House of Pain Game and we would love to hear from you, our fans. What questions do you have about the game? Where did you watch the game? What were your reactions? And 29 years later, what still lingers in your memories? We would like to weave your thoughts and feelings along with some of our audio into the next episode. You can send us an email or record a short voice memo - send it to podcasts@philadelphiaeagles.com for an opportunity to be part of the next episode!
Return Game: House of Pain Game presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation takes you deep inside the iconic House of Pain Game.
The weekend leading up to the Monday Night Football game in Houston, a key member of the Eagles’ defense had been hit by the flu. With a fever and dehydration, questions swirled in the training room if he would even be fit to take the field.
The Oilers were experiencing no such panic. They were the home team, favored to win, with an explosive offense featuring 3 future hall of famers in the starting lineup.
But, it didn’t take long for kelly-green clad Philadelphia Eagles to show the Houston Oilers - you bring the house, we bring the pain.
Return Game: House of Pain Game presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation takes you deep inside the iconic House of Pain Game.
In 1991, the population of Houston was booming and Oilers fans had high expectations for the hometown team. This was the year they were going to the Superbowl.
Coach Jack Pardee was running the ‘run and shoot’, a new offensive scheme, that was causing problems for defenses across the league. Plus, Oilers had future Hall of Fame quarterback, Warren Moon calling the shots on the field.
The Oilers believed there was no defense in the NFL that could stop them, especially during a game in the Astrodome in front of a sold out crowd of Love Ya Blue fans.
But they hadn’t played the Eagles… yet.
Return Game: House of Pain Game presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation takes you deep inside the iconic House of Pain Game.
This season takes you into the locker room and onto the field with stories from players, coaches and others who lived the experience.
In 1991, during the offseason, Eagles’ owner Norman Braman fired Coach Buddy Ryan. How did The Gang Green, the Eagles defense, arguably the best in the league respond?
Another blow came when Randall Cunningham, the franchise quarterback, was injured in the first game of the season. He was out for the year. The defense felt the responsibility fell on their shoulders. Can the Birds recover and take down the Houston Oilers in the Astrodome?
Through sound and story, you will feel like you are back in 1991 or if you are new to the House of Pain Game, we’ll show you why this is one that stands out in Eagles’ fans’ memories.
Return Game: House of Pain presented by NovaCare Rehabilitation starts now!
Return Game runs it back like never before. This Official Eagles Podcast takes you deep inside the most iconic moments in Philadelphia Eagles history, bringing you first-hand accounts of unbelievable games, unforgettable plays, unrelenting rivalries, and undeniable characters. Each season of Return Game features a never-heard-before take on a different time, team, personality, or moment in Eagles lore. Buckle up— this is team history straight from the people who lived it.