Pennsylvania Divided: Rodgers’ Arrival, Eagles’ Dominance, and the Unstoppable ‘Tush Push’
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a state steeped in passionate sports rivalries, recently offered a fascinating glimpse into the minds of its football faithful. A new Quinnipiac University poll has unveiled compelling insights into how fans view the Pittsburgh Steelers, the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, and the controversial “Tush Push” play.
From the polarizing arrival of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh to the overwhelming support for the Eagles’ signature short-yardage maneuver, the survey paints a vivid picture of the state’s intricate football landscape.
Aaron Rodgers in Black & Gold: A Divisive Decision
Following the illustrious career of Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers have embarked on a quest for their next franchise quarterback. After a carousel of signal-callers including Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph, Russell Wilson, and Justin Fields, Pittsburgh made a bold move this year, signing the aging yet enigmatic Aaron Rodgers to a one-year, $13.6 million deal.
The poll revealed a divided sentiment among Steelers fans in Pennsylvania regarding this high-profile acquisition. A narrow majority, 52%, believe signing Rodgers was the correct decision, while a significant 33% disagreed. Nationally, among all NFL fans, 43% viewed it as the right move.
“Aaron Rodgers remains one of the NFL’s most polarizing players,” noted Brittani Webb, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Media Studies at Quinnipiac University’s School of Communications. “His on-field achievements and off-field controversies divide fans. Now, as the league’s oldest active player, it’s understandable why fans across Pennsylvania are torn on his signing being the right or wrong move.”
Super Bowl Showdown: Eagles Reign Supreme in Fan Allegiance
The prospect of an all-Pennsylvania Super Bowl—a clash between the AFC’s Steelers and the NFC’s Eagles—is a dream scenario for many fans. The Eagles currently hold the ultimate bragging rights, having defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX. The Steelers, meanwhile, are hungry for a playoff victory, a feat they haven’t achieved since topping the Chiefs 18-16 in the 2016 AFC Divisional Round.
If these two storied franchises were to meet on football’s grandest stage, who would Pennsylvania’s loyalties lean towards? The poll results were decisive: the Philadelphia Eagles would be the overwhelming favorites, with 53% of the support compared to the Steelers’ 37%.
Pennsylvania’s Favorite Team: Eagles Dominate the Landscape
When asked to identify the “best” professional team in Pennsylvania, recent success undoubtedly played a role. The Eagles emerged as the runaway winners, garnering a remarkable 48% of the votes. The Steelers, despite their rich history, came in a distant second with 20%, followed by the Philadelphia Phillies at 10%. No other team managed to reach double digits.
Conversely, when asked about the “worst” teams, the Pittsburgh Pirates topped the list at 23%, with the Philadelphia 76ers following at 15%.
The ‘Tush Push’: An Unstoppable Force Pennsylvanians Embrace
The Philadelphia Eagles’ “Tush Push” (also known as the “Brotherly Shove”) has become one of the most talked-about plays in the NFL. Its effectiveness in short-yardage situations has led to widespread debate, with some arguing it provides an unfair advantage and others defending it as a legitimate football strategy.
Pennsylvanians, however, have made their stance clear: they overwhelmingly support the play. A striking 72% of respondents believe the “Tush Push” should be allowed, with only 16% advocating for a ban.
“When questions arose about whether or not to ban the Tush Push, the NFL said no,” commented Nick Pietruszkiewicz, Assistant Professor of Journalism and Program Director of Sports Communications at Quinnipiac University. “NFL fans in Pennsylvania clearly agree with that sentiment. Just because other teams can’t stop it isn’t a good enough reason to get rid of it.”
This comprehensive poll offers a fascinating snapshot of sports fandom in Pennsylvania, highlighting the passionate allegiances, complex opinions, and clear preferences that define its rich athletic culture.
