Philadelphia Eagles fans know they are among the best in the NFL.
Well, a new study proves it.
Eagles fans came in at No. 5 on Emory University’s Fan Equity list of "The Best NFL Fans 2016"
Researcher Michael Lewis called the Birds Top 5 finish a "surprise." [[386600131, C]]
"The Eagles are also a good example of how the analysis works," wrote Lewis. "Most fan rankings are based on subjective judgments and lack controls for short-term winning rates. This latter point is a critical shortcoming. It’s easy to be supportive of a winning team. While Eagles fans might not be happy they are supportive in the face of mediocrity. Last year the Eagles struggled on the field but fans still paid premium prices and filled the stadium."
The Eagles drawing an average of more than 69,000 fans per game at Lincoln Financial Field at nearly $100 a ticket helped the team to a nearly 103 percent capacity that helped put Birds fans ahead of cross-state rivals Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 18) despite the Steelers having a better record, said Lewis.
Eagles fans might not like, however, the fan bases that beat out bleeding green nation as New England Patriots faithful topped the list with fans of the dreaded Dallas Cowboys coming in at No. 2. Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers fans also beat out Birds fans in the study that focuses on fans' willingness to spend money, attendance at games and social media trends. [[247269581, C]]
So which fans bottomed out on the list? Jacksonville Jaguars fans.
