PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Boston has experienced 13 major sports championships this century.
Brian Thomas was living there for most of them, but in no way did he celebrate with his peers when they happened. That’s because Thomas, 27, from Graduate Hospital, is a Philadelphia sports fan who grew up in Boston.
Thomas moved to Boston in 2004 when he was in grade school because his father, Ed, relocated for work. His first year there was when the Patriots beat the Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX. Seeing that and other Boston championships didn’t sit well with him, even at a young age.
“It made me so angry, just all the victories that they got,” said Brian, “and a little bit jealous obviously because there were some tough years being Philly sports fans.”
Brian and his family moved from Warminster. He could’ve joined his Boston peers and rooted for the Pats, Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins, but instead, he stuck by his parents and remained a Philadelphia fan — much to the delight of his dad.
Despite watching Boston’s frequent success and having to hear about it from his friends, Brian’s pride for his teams never wavered. In fact, you could say it got stronger.
“It meant the world to represent the City of Philadelphia and the teams meant so much to me, that I wanted to wear it on my sleeve,” Brian said.
And then, Brian got sweet old revenge — albeit only twice. The 2008 Phillies won the World Series over the Tampa Bay Rays, who beat the Red Sox in the ALCS. And the 2017 Eagles won Super Bowl LII over the Patriots — with Brian in the building in Minneapolis.
“It was kind of a book end to the story,” he said. “Sweet, sweet revenge. I got to watch it live and then went to the parade, obviously.”
His love for Philadelphia is so strong, he chose to go to college at St. Joseph’s University, with Philly sports teams factoring into his decision. Ed told us St. Joe’s was the furthest and most expensive. In the end, while it wasn’t reigning championships for Philadelphia sports during Brian's youth, and while Brian would ask his dad why Philadelphia doesn’t win enough, he credits his father’s influence to him becoming a fan.
“He had a huge influence,” Brian said. “I think he’s definitely one of my main role models and I kind of wanted to do everything he did. And whether it would be playing sports, watching sports, even doing yard work, I would always look up to him and follow in his footsteps.”
“So, a part of that was Philly sports and I’m greatly appreciative of everything he’s taught me, and also the fandom because the past couple years, being in Philadelphia and getting to experience what it’s like being a fan, it’s probably some of my favorite moments. So I am greatly appreciative of everything he's taught me and not mad at all about moving up to Boston when I was younger.”
To hear more of Brian’s story, check out this week’s edition of the KYW Newsradio Philadelphia Sports Fan of the Week.