Once upon a time, Tony Wroten told us to “trust the process,” and former Sixers GM Sam Hinkie taught us Philly fans how to believe in it.
But what does this phrase mean to the fans who have been rattled by the disappointing loss to end the Eagles' season in the playoffs, or for the Phillies fans awaiting the Bryce Harper, Manny Machado decision? How do true Philadelphians handle defeat but prepare themselves for the opportunities that lie ahead?
They do what is in the blood of every professional athlete that chooses to represent Philadelphia: they Trust the Process.
TTP illustrates a movement within the city that has long been doubted in sports history, and opportunity; a movement that every true Philly fan takes to heart by continuing to believe in what the city stands for despite the setbacks it faces.
Let's start with the Eagles. It was a process to make it to the top in 2018, but it will also be a process to get back on top in 2020.
They went 9-7 on the season, ranking second in the NFC East, which isn’t all that bad for their lackluster performances back in October and November.
They found themselves in an elimination game going into Washington, and their future in the postseason rode on a win from the Bears in Minnesota.
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It was do-or-die for the Eagles, who were on Cloud 9 a year ago. But they were granted a wild card to give their fans a glimmer of hope, with the possibility of achieving greatness for the second straight year.
It was a chance to set a precedent not only in the NFL but also in sports. It could prove that Philly is no longer the underdog.
Already on shaky ground, the Eagles lost their footing to the Saints in the fourth quarter and boom, season over.
But Philadelphia has never lost hope. We Trust the Process and always have, and truly believe in the Eagles who hoisted the Lombardi Trophy over their heads, and even the Eagles who fell short to New Orleans a week ago.
Rebuilding is part of this process. Philly has rebuilt itself time and time again, and the Eagles are representative of what this city is all about.
Moving on to the Phillies, who have had a rough go in the past but have the potential to redeem themselves this season.
Harper and Machado are the keys that are needed to start the engine, and the Phillies organization seems pretty excited about these possible new additions.
Phillies fans embody the losing records knowing the fight we still have left in us, and the winning seasons that are quickly approaching.
That’s what it’s all about. We trust the athletes, the coaches, the organization to believe and partake in the series of actions needed to rise to the top; the process is simply the trajectory we idolize and repeat. Disappointment is simply a stepping stone.
The NFL draft is coming in a little over two months and the Eagles renew their chance at another Super Bowl victory with the new additions to their franchise. Free agent decisions remain a nail-biter as the Phillies await their destiny.
But not all of this hope for the future comes from the great players of the day or the stats paired with a name that has a possibility of signing with Philadelphia.
This hope comes from Philadelphia — the loyal fans who trust in the teams, and the teams who believe in those who stand by them.
The city is a diamond in the rough and our teams don’t let us forget that.
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