SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The City of Scranton wasn’t just bleeding green because of Saint Patrick’s Day festivities.
It was also to show support for a special Super Bowl champion that was in attendance on Saturday.
“Go Birds” isn’t usually a chant you would hear at the Scranton Saint Patrick’s Parade, but in this year’s, there was a lot of it.
The Eagles’ Defensive Coordinator, Vic Fangio, came to town.
“It’s great to be back here. I always remember this being a big day in Scranton,” Fangio said.
From the streets of Philadelphia to the streets of Scranton, it’s only been a little less than a month since Fangio’s last parade, the 2025 Super Bowl Parade, in the City of Brotherly Love on Valentine’s Day.
“I did it a lot as a kid, but I haven’t been here in many, many years. Maybe 40, 50 years,” Fangio explained.
From one green bleeding city to another, the passion for Fangio and the Eagles flies just as high.
“I noticed him immediately, and I purposely came to the parade today just so I could meet Vic, and as soon as I saw him, I was like ‘Yoooo Vic!’ I said, ‘Thank you for building our defense to what it is. You did a great job; congratulations on the Super Bowl win.’ and said, ‘Can I get an autograph?’ Signed my hat for me, got a picture with him,” Old Forge resident JD Kliniewski said.
There weren’t millions of people at the Scranton parade, but there were thousands, like Kliniewski, there to show their Eagles pride.
“When we saw Vic, we were really excited. Go Birds! Right, Mac?” said South Abington resident Paul Mackarey.
Watching the Eagles take home the Lombardi Trophy this season was a special moment for this father-and-son duo.
Saturday’s parade polished off the celebration.
“And to be out here representing, it’s been great,” Mackarey added.
Whether the support comes in large or small, Fangio appreciates it all.
“That was crazy. This will be more sane but just as good,” Fangio stated.
He says his hometown, not far from the Electric City, will always hold a special place in his heart.
“This is where I’m from, I always say I’m from Dunmore wherever I’m at, and I just happen to be living somewhere else at the time, but I’m a Dunmore guy and always will be,” said Fangio.
