“Sorry, if you’re not a true fan, please leave.” Philadelphia Eagles head coach, nick sirianni, broke the silence and directly sent a powerful message to fans on Twitter: “If you’re an Eagles fan, you’ll know that we’ve given our all to compete.
A true fan wouldn’t turn their back on the team even if we lose, but would continue to support and encourage us to try harder.” He then made a SHOCKING statement in the NFL community by publicly defending Jalen Hurts.
In a season marked by highs and lows, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has once again stepped into the spotlight, not just for his strategic decisions on the field but for his unfiltered words off it.
As the defending Super Bowl champions navigate the 2025 NFL campaign with a 10-5 record, sitting atop the NFC East, Sirianni’s recent social media outburst has ignited debates across the league.
His tweet, posted amid swirling rumors of fan discontent and calls to bench quarterback Jalen Hurts, underscores the tensions within one of the NFL’s most passionate fanbases.
The message, laced with frustration and loyalty, comes at a pivotal moment as the Eagles push toward the playoffs, aiming to defend their title won in February 2025 at Super Bowl LIX.
The context for Sirianni’s statement traces back to a turbulent stretch in the season. After starting strong, the Eagles hit a rough patch with a three-game losing streak that tested the resolve of players, coaches, and supporters alike.
Losses to the Dallas Cowboys (24-21), Chicago Bears (24-15), and Los Angeles Chargers (22-19) exposed vulnerabilities in the offense, particularly in the passing game. Hurts, the franchise quarterback who led the team to glory just months earlier, faced intense scrutiny for his performance.
In those games, he threw multiple interceptions, including a career-high four in one outing, leading to boos from the home crowd at Lincoln Financial Field and widespread calls on sports radio and social media for a quarterback change.
Critics pointed to his 3,114 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and a QBR of 58.2 as evidence of regression, despite the team’s overall success.
Sirianni, known for his fiery personality and protective stance toward his players, could no longer stay silent. His tweet, which quickly went viral, was a direct rebuke to those questioning the team’s commitment.
By invoking the idea of “true fans,” he drew a line in the sand, challenging supporters to either rally behind the Eagles or step aside.
This wasn’t the first time Sirianni had addressed fan criticism; earlier in the season, he dismissed suggestions to bench Hurts as “ridiculous” during a press conference on December 10, 2025. “I think that’s absurd,” he said, emphasizing Hurts’ resilience and leadership. “He’s a winner.
He deals with adversity better than anyone I’ve seen. I don’t want anybody else leading this team at quarterback.”
The defense of Hurts extended beyond words. In subsequent games, the Eagles rebounded impressively, shutting out the Las Vegas Raiders 31-0 and defeating the Washington Commanders 29-18. These victories showcased a revitalized offense, with Hurts connecting effectively with receivers like A.J.
Brown, who leads the team with 935 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Running back Saquon Barkley, with 1,072 rushing yards and seven scores, provided balance, helping the Eagles rank 15th in rushing yards per game at 121.7.
Defensively, the unit has been stout, allowing just 19.3 points per game, fourth-best in the league. Sirianni credited the turnaround to internal focus, telling reporters after the Raiders win, “We didn’t listen to the outside noise.
We’ve been committed to playing Eagles football.” He praised Hurts for blocking out distractions, noting how the quarterback’s preparation and mindset set the tone for the team.
Reactions to Sirianni’s tweet have been mixed within the NFL community. Some applaud his candor, viewing it as a necessary stand against toxic fandom in an era where social media amplifies every misstep.
Former players and analysts have weighed in, with one ESPN commentator calling it “a refreshing reminder that loyalty goes both ways.” Others, however, see it as divisive, potentially alienating a portion of the fanbase that has supported the team through thick and thin.
Philadelphia’s fans, renowned for their intensity, have a history of holding players accountable—recall the boos directed at legends like Donovan McNabb. Yet, many have rallied around Sirianni’s message, with fan groups on platforms like Facebook echoing his sentiments. One post in an Eagles fan forum read, “Nick’s right.
We’ve got the champs here—let’s act like it.”
Hurts himself has responded to the criticism with characteristic poise.
In a press conference on December 19, 2025, he addressed the pressure with a succinct one-liner: “Standard is the standard.” He elaborated on his accountability, stating that he looks in the mirror first and credits Sirianni for bringing structure to the offense during tough times.
Their relationship, forged through wins and losses, remains a cornerstone of the team’s identity.
Sirianni has repeatedly highlighted Hurts’ willingness to do whatever it takes to win, saying in October, “A lot of people want to win, but are they willing to do the things that winning requires? That’s what you get with Jalen.”
As the Eagles prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Buffalo Bills on December 28, 2025, the focus shifts back to the field. With a playoff berth all but secured and a chance to clinch home-field advantage, the team aims to build momentum.
Recent wins against strong opponents like the Kansas City Chiefs (20-17) and Los Angeles Rams (33-26) demonstrate their potential to repeat as champions. However, injuries loom large: linebacker Nakobe Dean and offensive tackle Lane Johnson are ruled out for the Bills game, putting additional pressure on the depth chart.
Sirianni’s message also touches on broader themes in the NFL, where player mental health and fan expectations intersect. In a league where turnover is high and scrutiny relentless, coaches like Sirianni play a dual role as strategists and motivators.
His tweet serves as a call to unity, reminding everyone that success is a collective effort. “We’ve been through a lot together,” Sirianni said of his bond with Hurts. “A lot of wins, some down times. That’s what forges relationships.”
Looking ahead, the Eagles’ path to another Super Bowl will depend on sustaining their defensive prowess and offensive rhythm. With passing yards ranked 23rd at 197.9 per game, there’s room for improvement, but the points allowed metric suggests they can compete with anyone.
Fans, for their part, have shown resilience too—attendance remains strong, and merchandise sales reflect unwavering support.
In the end, Sirianni’s bold statement may prove to be a turning point, galvanizing the team and its supporters.
Whether it silences the doubters or fuels further debate, one thing is clear: in Philadelphia, passion runs deep, and the Eagles are flying toward the postseason with their coach’s words ringing in their ears.
As the season unfolds, the true test will be not just in victories, but in the unity that carries them through.
