PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Bob Virga of Delaware County loves the Eagles so much that he saved a 30-something-year-old chocolate bar so his idol could sign it.
"It's a legacy of our refrigerator," said Barbara, Virga's beloved wife of 51 years.
The piece of candy turned-cherished-collector's-item is the "Randall Bar." It has Virga's favorite player on the wrapper — legendary Eagles quarterback Randall Cunningham. After getting the bar (likely in the late 1980s), Virga saved it in a refrigerator and, decades later, got Cunningham to sign it. His youngest son, Marc, joined him.
His commitment to save that candy bar, rather than eat it — which obviously will never happen at this point — is one example of his fandom. Others include his positivity for the Eagles, no matter what, and his devotion to the team regardless of some significant health battles.
"[Sunday is] an untouchable day," says Virga, "because I'm watching the Eagles … It's an escape from your problems."
On Dec. 3, 2000, the Eagles hosted the Titans. Virga who, at the time was a season ticket holder in the 700 level at Veterans Stadium, was about to head to the game when he suddenly fainted and started having a seizure. When paramedics arrived, Virga didn't remember Barbara or Marc. He didn't remember himself. The only thing he knew was that he had to go to The Vet for the game. He ended up watching the game from the hospital.
That was the beginning of his nickname, "Eagle Bob,'" he said.
Nearly 20 years later, Virga was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer — yet another health obstacle in a crowded list that he's dealt with his entire life. The cancer forced him to give up his season tickets to Marc and other family members — four seats he had for almost three decades. But that hasn't stopped Virga from being an outstanding fan.
In recent years, he has put together an impressive Eagles fan cave where he watches games. And outside the home, he gives his pregame prediction at Sunday morning mass, almost always picking the Eagles. And when someone questions his team, he defends them. Don't be mistaken, Virga has high standards and sometimes yells at the TV. But he remains positive. That positivity is a big reason why he continues to fight prostate cancer, though things are under control right now.
Bob Virga in his Eagles gearCourtesy of Bob Virga
"My oncologist says I am a miracle, so positive of a person, that I'm doing really well," said Virga, who just turned 76.
And that positivity shines on through his son, Marc, who is now paying it forward to his father by bringing "Eagle Bob" to Eagles and Phillies postseason games. It's a legacy of Philadelphia sports fandom that his four grandchildren — Marc's children — are now picking up.
"[I texted my dad] 'Everybody's in, man.' I said, 'You've now passed the legacy two generations,'" said Marc, who told KYW Newsradio the Eagles and Phillies have always been their thing, and that's one of the greatest gifts a father can give.
To hear more about "Eagle Bob's" story, check out this week's edition of KYW's Philly Sports Fan of the Week.
