Hype Up Music…NFL Edition

Last Friday, I was at an outdoor watch party to see the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Green Bay Packers. As a lead-up to kick-off, the party had a DJ. The first song he played: “Gonna Fly Now” from the Rocky movie. Every Philadelphia child and adult knows this song from the first notes and how can you not love it? We have to thank a New Yorker for writing a movie about the quintessential Philly underdog and we have to thank whoever wrote the song “Gonna Fly Now” because it is fantastic. Your eyes well up, you wear the Kelly Green with a little more pride and you feel a surge of connection for the Philadelphia fans who came before you and excitement for the ones who will follow.

It got me thinking though…what do the other cities play for their hype music? I decided to make a list. Now I have no idea if these songs are actually played but this is what I would pick.

Arizona Cardinals — “Route 66.” I mean who doesn’t want to get your kicks on Route 66?

Atlanta Falcons — “Georgia On My Mind” — Ray Charles. I once spent an insanely hot weekend in Atlanta so Georgia is not always on my mind but I love this ode to the peach state.

Baltimore Ravens — “Thong Song” by Dru Hill. The group’s name literally refers to a hill in a Baltimore neighborhood and you can hate on “Thong Song” all you want, but it was popular for a reason.

Buffalo Bills — “Super Freak” by Rick James. Did you know Rick James was from Buffalo before this moment because I didn’t?