Here's The Story Behind That Bald Eagle That Soars Around The Linc

PHILADELPHIA, PA —We Philadelphia Eagles fans all know the chant that will be heard across Lincoln Financial Field numerous times when the Birds close out the regular season against the rival New York Giants on Sunday.

"Fly Eagles Fly...on the Road to Victory."

But what about "Fly Eagle Fly?"

At home games during the NFL season at Lincoln Financial Field, a majestic bald eagle, soaring around the stadium to the delight of the usually sold-out crowd before landing back on the arm of its handler.

It's a pre-game ritual that takes only a few minutes. But as the symbol of America and the representative of the franchise, the Bald Eagle makes memories for anyone attending a game.

And it's a tradition in South Philly.

Challenger was the first bald eagle to fly over a stadium in the United States, flying over Veterans Stadium in the early 1990s during Philadelphia Eagles games. He also flew over the World Series and presidential inaugurations.

Challenger's last free-flight appearance at Lincoln Financial Field was in 2018.

Indy was another Bald Eagle that took to the skies.

The bird from Auburn University flew over Lincoln Financial Field for the first time on September 14, 2023. Indy's flight was part of a raptor center's effort to raise awareness of raptor conservation.

But now there's Lincoln, appropriately named for the stadium where it flies.

Lincoln appeared last Sunday for the Dallas Cowboys game. The bird was also before the Birds against the Washington Commanders at the Linc on Nov. 14, according to Philadelphia Sports Nation.

(AP Photo/Chris Szagola) Auburn's Bald Eagle Independence looks on after flying over the crowd before the NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles, on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, in Philadelphia.)