Eagles, Cowboys fans unite to donate to family of deceased banner pilot
The long, bitter rivalry between Eagles fans and Cowboys fans was put to the side this week, with members of both sides coming together to donate $4,000 to the family of a banner pilot who passed away in a plane crash earlier this month.
The long, bitter rivalry between Eagles fans and Cowboys fans was put to the side this week, with members of both sides coming together to donate $4,000 to the family of a banner pilot who passed away in a plane crash earlier this month.
Eagles fans recently began raising money to fly a banner reading "We Got DeMarco" over a Cowboys training camp practice, but were beaten to the punch when the Cowboys flew their own "We Still Dem Boyz #SacksComin" banner over an Eagles open practice on Aug. 9. Unfortunately, the stunt interrupted a performance of the national anthem, which happened to be taking place during an armed forces appreciation event.
The Eagles banner was expected to fly over the Cowboys practice in California later than same day, but plans were later canceled after a fatal plane crash took place at the same airport from which the plane was scheduled to depart. Initial reports indicated the "We Got DeMarco" plane had crashed, but later it turned out to be a separate incident.
Still, though, organizer @TheMightyEROCK decided something had to be done, seeing as the accident hit so close to home. As a result, he got Eagles and Cowboys fans to band together for a fundraiser benefiting the family of the pilot of the crashed airplane on GoFundMe.
Via the fundraiser's page:
"Thank you to everyone who contributed to this cause. I spoke with the pilot's wife last week, arrangements were made, and now some relief (and much needed) is going to this family during this difficult time. The total amount, regardless or gofundme fees, has been sent to the family. His wife had no idea who I was, who we were, or the story behind the "banner wars".....but in one of the lighter moments during our conversation she interrupted me and said "Wait...I thought Eagles and Cowboys fans hated each other". While hate is a strong word (yet incredibly accurate) we're all human, and I think it showed in this very brief but perfect example.
Thank you all again, it's your kindness that speaks volumes about these two fan bases. Dallas...we'll you week 2.
-EROCK
PS - we still got Demarco."
Fantastic work all around, here. After all, a family in need got help, and we all got to put down one of the most venomous rivalries in all of professional sports — if only for a second.
The 2015 regular NFL season, however, kicks off officially on Sept. 10. Hopefully we'll keep the peace at least until then.