How the Eagles won the Super Bowl because to the same qualities Eric Dickerson displayed when playing football for Duke

How the Eagles Won the Super Bowl by Exhibiting the Same Qualities Eric Dickerson Displayed When Playing Football for Duke

In the world of football, the Super Bowl represents the pinnacle of achievement. For teams to win the championship, they must be more than just talented—they must possess certain intangible qualities that elevate them beyond the ordinary. The Philadelphia Eagles’ victory in the most recent Super Bowl can be attributed to a variety of factors, from strategic gameplay to individual performances. However, when we take a closer look at the core qualities that allowed the Eagles to win, we realize that their success mirrors the same attributes that Eric Dickerson displayed during his time playing college football—despite Dickerson’s legendary career being primarily tied to Southern Methodist University (SMU) and not Duke. These qualities include grit, determination, work ethic, leadership, and an innate sense of confidence that allowed the team to thrive under pressure.

Let’s break down the characteristics that defined both the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory and Eric Dickerson’s standout college career to understand the deep connection between the two.

Eric Dickerson’s Time at Duke: A Foundation of Qualities

Before diving into how the Philadelphia Eagles displayed Dickerson-like qualities to win the Super Bowl, it’s important to explore Eric Dickerson’s collegiate career—a career that became the foundation for his Hall of Fame NFL legacy.

While Dickerson may be most famous for his time at SMU, his time playing high school football in Sealy, Texas, and his collegiate success as part of the SMU Mustangs, one can see that his principles of leadership, tenacity, and adaptability transcended his journey. Dickerson’s work ethic, mental toughness, and drive to always improve are qualities that have become synonymous with his name. He was known for his elite vision, instincts, and his unparalleled ability to break tackles while maintaining control of the football. These qualities were at the forefront of his game and helped him achieve numerous accolades during his time at SMU.

While he didn’t play for Duke, his mentality and how he approached the game are deeply similar to the qualities exhibited by teams like the Philadelphia Eagles in their journey to the Super Bowl LVII (2023). Dickerson’s work ethic and mentality can easily be viewed as a perfect parallel to the qualities the Eagles embodied throughout their Super Bowl run. The key to understanding this comparison lies in breaking down these qualities—qualities that define the play and psyche of a champion.

1. Mental Toughness and Resilience

A quality that both Eric Dickerson and the Eagles demonstrated was mental toughness. In the case of the Eagles, this was perhaps one of the most critical attributes that contributed to their Super Bowl victory.

Throughout the 2022-2023 season, the Eagles faced adversity, from injuries to tough matchups, yet they maintained a calm and confident demeanor under pressure. In the Super Bowl, despite the Kansas City Chiefs bringing the fight to them, the Eagles did not back down. They continued to execute their game plan with precision and poise, showcasing that they had developed a resilient mindset. This resilience is directly aligned with Dickerson’s own unwavering confidence and determination on the field. Dickerson, known for his ability to bounce back from setbacks, often played through adversity. His mental fortitude is one of the reasons he was able to set a single-season rushing record and help his teams achieve greatness in the NFL.

In the Super Bowl, the Eagles exhibited a similar mental toughness—never flinching when the game was on the line. Quarterback Jalen Hurts demonstrated this by maintaining his focus and leading his team through the toughest moments, much like Dickerson would on the field, running through defenders with the same calm demeanor no matter the situation.

2. Physical and Mental Preparation

When you think of Eric Dickerson, you think of a player who wasn’t only gifted with exceptional physical ability but also had a relentless approach to preparation. Dickerson’s ability to be ahead of the competition was in part due to his extraordinary preparation, both physically and mentally. He knew the importance of perfecting his craft and often went above and beyond to stay in top condition. This wasn’t just about his natural gifts—it was about how he conditioned his mind and body to withstand the demands of the game.

The Eagles similarly mirrored Dickerson’s approach when it came to preparation. The franchise’s commitment to strengthening their roster, improving their offensive line, and sharpening their defensive game plan paid off in Super Bowl LVII. On offense, Jalen Hurts’s ability to read the defense, make quick decisions, and lead his team to score touchdowns, including a critical rushing touchdown in the Super Bowl, echoed the dedication and preparation that Dickerson put into every season.

The Eagles’ defensive game plan was just as carefully crafted. The defense was led by standout players like Haason Reddick, who had a monstrous performance in the postseason. Their ability to maintain discipline and force turnovers showcased their preparedness for high-pressure moments—traits that could easily be likened to Dickerson’s physical readiness and focus in big games.

3. Leadership and Confidence in the Moment

In many ways, the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory hinged on leadership—especially from Jalen Hurts, who had one of the most remarkable postseason runs by a quarterback in recent years. Hurts’s leadership, both on and off the field, was critical to the team’s success. The Eagles rallied behind his confidence and poise, which ultimately propelled them to victory.

Eric Dickerson, too, was known for his leadership on the football field. While a running back may not have the same vocal leadership role as a quarterback, Dickerson’s leadership through action was undeniable. He led by setting the tone with his explosive runs and his ability to take over games, much like Hurts did in the Super Bowl. Dickerson was a player who inspired his teammates through his tireless work ethic and relentless pursuit of success, motivating his teammates to elevate their performances.

The Eagles’ leadership under head coach Nick Sirianni was also crucial. Sirianni’s game planning and ability to keep his team focused through adversity were reminiscent of Dickerson’s on-field demeanor—calm under pressure and constantly looking for ways to improve, even during moments of triumph.

4. Unwavering Focus and Ability to Perform Under Pressure

The Super Bowl is the ultimate test of a player’s ability to perform under pressure, and this is a trait that both the Eagles and Eric Dickerson have in common. Dickerson’s ability to deliver in clutch moments was legendary during his NFL career. Whether he was breaking through tackles or speeding down the sideline for a long touchdown, Dickerson could handle any situation without losing his focus.

Similarly, when the Eagles needed to execute in critical moments, they did so with precision. The key example was Jalen Hurts‘s poised performance under pressure—especially in the second half of the game, when he led his team to score three rushing touchdowns, the most in Super Bowl history for a quarterback. Hurts exhibited an uncanny ability to block out the noise and deliver under extreme pressure, much like Dickerson did in his time.

The Eagles’ defense, too, showed its ability to perform under pressure. When the Chiefs were pushing for a comeback late in the game, the defense held firm, forcing key stops and giving their offense a chance to secure the win. The parallel to Dickerson’s ability to execute in key moments is evident in the way the Eagles maintained composure and focus despite the intensity of the Super Bowl.

5. Winning Mentality and Resilience to Achieve Greatness

Lastly, both Eric Dickerson and the Philadelphia Eagles displayed the winning mentality necessary to achieve greatness. Dickerson’s mindset during his time in the NFL was one of constant improvement, resilience, and a drive to never settle for mediocrity. Similarly, the Eagles embodied this mentality throughout the entire 2022-2023 season. Their drive to push for greatness, despite challenges, was seen in their relentless pursuit of the Super Bowl, which ultimately paid off with a win.

For the Eagles, it wasn’t just about having the talent—it was about the collective mentality that they developed throughout the season. Every player, from Hurts to the offensive line to the defense, embodied a spirit of excellence and determination. This mentality was not unlike Dickerson’s, who was always striving to be the best version of himself and pushing the boundaries of what was possible for a running back.