Philadelphia sports fans' appetite for excellence can lead them to some extreme tendencies from time to time, but they have a deep respect for those who toil way in pursuit of greatness. There were arguably more than a dozen golfers who had a realistic chance of claiming victory entering the final round of the PGA Championship, but by tournament's end, Aaron Rai was three strokes better than the next best finisher.
Following a fantastic 5-under-par 65 on Sunday, which was highlighted by an eye-popping 68-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole, the 31-year-old became the first Englishman to win this major in more than a century. Rai did not just stay afloat amid the pressure. He thrived in the face of it, and the fervid crowd at Pennsylvania's Aronimink Golf Club embraced him.
Rai will never forget the place that serves as the site of his greatest triumph. The momentous feat is affecting him so much that he has decided to join the Bird Gang.
“Your support for me was absolutely incredible, so I really appreciate that, from the very start until the very finish,” Rai said, before officially declaring himself a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, per FOX 29 Philly's Jeff Skversky.
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🏆 Aaron Rai says his favorite NFL team is now the Eagles after winning PGA Championship at Aronimink
Rai starts an #Eagles Chant pic.twitter.com/oiZpCMbJFC
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) May 17, 2026
Aaron Rai may not know what he just got himself into, as he pledges allegiance to one of the most polarizing franchises in the NFL. Though, considering his familiarity with English football, the new PGA champ might actually be able to make a seamless transition into Eagles fandom.
Judging by the reaction he received, Rai should find many willing people to brief him on everything Midnight Green. God speed, good sir.
Philadelphia sports fans' appetite for excellence can lead them to some extreme tendencies from time to time, but they have a deep respect for those who toil way in pursuit of greatness. There were arguably more than a dozen golfers who had a realistic chance of claiming victory entering the final round of the PGA Championship, but by tournament's end, Aaron Rai was three strokes better than the next best finisher.