Georgia football’s 24-year march to the Super Bowl included the “Philly Dawgs.”

Georgia Football’s 24-Year March to the Super Bowl: The Rise of the Philly Dawgs

Over the past several decades, Georgia football has seen a remarkable evolution, one that has not only shaped the college football landscape but also left a significant mark on the National Football League (NFL). The state’s football talent pipeline, which has produced some of the best players in the history of the sport, has been a cornerstone of Georgia’s football identity. Among the many contributions that Georgia players have made to the NFL, one of the most striking and impactful groups has been the so-called “Philly Dawgs,” a nickname given to a cohort of Georgia Bulldogs who played key roles in the Philadelphia Eagles’ rise to the Super Bowl. This group of players and the broader legacy of Georgia football players in the NFL culminated in a 24-year march that finally reached the pinnacle of football excellence—the Super Bowl.

Early Beginnings: The Power of Georgia Football

Georgia’s football legacy began to solidify in the 1980s, when the University of Georgia Bulldogs, led by coach Vince Dooley and later Ray Goff, became a dominant force in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The Bulldogs had a storied history of producing NFL talent, but it wasn’t until the late 1990s and early 2000s that Georgia truly established itself as a breeding ground for NFL-caliber athletes.

At the same time, NFL teams began to recognize the wealth of talent coming from Georgia, with players such as running back Garrison Hearst (San Francisco 49ers), linebacker Keith Brooking (Atlanta Falcons), and defensive back Champ Bailey (Washington Redskins) rising to prominence. These athletes, and many others, helped set the stage for the next phase in Georgia’s football history, where the state’s players began to play a central role in the NFL’s biggest stage: the Super Bowl.

The Philly Dawgs: Georgia’s Impact on the Eagles

Among the numerous NFL teams to benefit from Georgia’s football pipeline, none stood out quite like the Philadelphia Eagles. The term “Philly Dawgs” refers to the collection of Georgia Bulldogs who found a home in Philadelphia, creating a core group of players who contributed significantly to the Eagles’ success. This collection of talent helped the team climb to new heights, culminating in a victory in Super Bowl LII during the 2017-2018 season.

The rise of the Philly Dawgs can be traced back to the early 2000s when a few key Georgia players found their way to the Eagles roster. One of the most notable early contributors was defensive lineman Trent Cole, who was drafted by the Eagles in 2005. Cole had a standout career with the Eagles, recording double-digit sacks in multiple seasons and becoming a leader on the defensive line. His relentless pursuit of quarterbacks made him a household name in Philadelphia and set the stage for a string of successful Georgia players in the city.

In 2012, the Eagles drafted Bennie Logan, a defensive tackle from Georgia who, like Cole, would go on to become a key contributor to the Eagles’ defense. Logan was known for his ability to clog up the middle of the defensive line, helping free up space for other defenders and playing a crucial role in the team’s 2017 championship run. Logan’s Georgia pedigree, combined with his high-level play, made him one of the unsung heroes of the Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning team.

However, it wasn’t just on the defensive side of the ball where Georgia players made an impact. One of the most significant contributions to the Eagles’ Super Bowl win came from Nick Chubb, a star running back who, though drafted after the Eagles’ Super Bowl win, continued the tradition of Georgia players excelling in Philadelphia. Chubb’s contributions in later years, particularly on special teams, demonstrated the lasting impact of Georgia athletes on the Eagles roster.

The Super Bowl Victory: A Culmination of Georgia’s Football Legacy

The 2017-2018 NFL season was one for the ages, and it was in this season that the Philly Dawgs truly cemented their place in NFL history. The Eagles’ Super Bowl LII victory over the New England Patriots was a historic moment for the franchise and for the state of Georgia, which saw several of its own players make crucial contributions.

At the heart of the Eagles’ success was a diverse group of players with Georgia roots. Malcolm Jenkins, a safety who had spent several seasons with the Saints before coming to Philadelphia, was arguably one of the most influential defensive players on the team. Jenkins, who played a key role in the Eagles’ defensive schemes, was a standout in the Super Bowl, recording several tackles and playing a critical role in the team’s ability to contain the Patriots’ high-powered offense. Jenkins’ leadership on and off the field made him one of the most important players in Philadelphia’s Super Bowl victory.

Meanwhile, Jordan Hicks, a linebacker from Georgia, was another crucial contributor to the Eagles’ defense. Hicks’ ability to read offenses and make timely tackles added a layer of stability to the Eagles’ defensive game plan. His presence helped the team navigate through difficult playoff games, and his key plays in the Super Bowl helped set the stage for a historic win.

However, it wasn’t just the defense where Georgia players excelled. On offense, Zach Ertz, the Eagles’ star tight end, had a performance for the ages in the Super Bowl. Ertz, though not from Georgia, was the beneficiary of key blocks and passes from his Georgia teammates, particularly in the passing game. His presence on the field and ability to make key catches in clutch moments contributed to the Eagles’ offensive success during the big game.

LeGarrette Blount, a former Georgia Bulldog running back, also played a crucial role in the Eagles’ offensive game plan. Blount, a bruising power back, helped control the clock and keep the Patriots’ defense on its heels during key stretches of the game. His ability to break tackles and gain critical yardage helped the Eagles establish a balanced attack that kept the Patriots from gaining momentum.

All told, the combination of Georgia Bulldogs on both sides of the ball helped lead the Eagles to their first-ever Super Bowl title. The Philly Dawgs had not only made a major impact during the regular season but had also been key contributors in the playoffs and the Super Bowl itself. Their success exemplified the high level of talent that Georgia football consistently produced and brought to the NFL.

Legacy of the Philly Dawgs

While the 2017-2018 Super Bowl victory was the pinnacle of Georgia’s football influence on the NFL, the legacy of the Philly Dawgs continues to resonate in the league. The contributions of these athletes have proven that Georgia football is a vital source of talent that not only impacts college football but also shapes the professional game.

As the years go by, more and more Georgia Bulldogs continue to find success in the NFL, further solidifying the state’s reputation as a powerhouse of football talent. The rise of the Philly Dawgs is a testament to the quality of coaching, development, and talent found in the Georgia football program, which has produced some of the best and brightest stars in the NFL.

The story of Georgia football’s march to the Super Bowl is far from over. With continued success in both college football and the NFL, the legacy of the Philly Dawgs will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes to reach for the ultimate goal: a Super Bowl championship.