For Eloise Brown, being a Philadelphia Eagles fan was never a choice—it was part of her identity. “I’m a Pennsylvanian. This is my team, my city,” she told TODAY.com ahead of Super Bowl 59. At 102 years old, Brown had lived through nearly every chapter of the Eagles’ history, having been born 11 years before the team was even founded.
When the Eagles faced off in the Super Bowl on February 9, Brown was right there watching, just as she had for decades. Surrounded by her children and grandchildren, she soaked in the moment, witnessing yet another milestone in the team’s journey. Football had always been a family affair, passed down through generations. Her love for the game started with her grandfather, and she had kept the tradition alive. Her granddaughter, Sabrina Hall, confirmed that “Mommom” never missed a game, always making sure the whole family was together for the big ones.
“We would all sit around, yell at the TV, cheer, and jump up every time they scored,” Brown recalled. “And, of course, we always had snacks. Chips, pretzels, and whatever else we could find—it was all part of the fun.”
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Honor from the Eagles
While Brown had been a dedicated fan for over a century, the 2023 season became extra special when her loyalty caught the attention of the team itself. On December 29, she attended the Eagles’ NFC East-clinching victory against the Cowboys, an experience she would never forget. That night, Eagles president Don Smolenski presented her with a custom-made jersey, featuring her last name and the number 102 in honor of her age. Brown was overwhelmed by the recognition, but the surprises didn’t stop there. She met several players and even had a special moment with head coach Nick Sirianni, who autographed the poster she had brought to the game. It read: “102 Years Old and Still Cheering for the BIRDS! GO EAGLES!”
Perhaps the most unexpected moment came when Sirianni handed her an official game ball. “I had no idea how heavy it would be!” she laughed. “That thing weighed more than me!”
For Brown, this experience was the culmination of a lifetime of dedication to her team. She had cheered for the Eagles through decades of wins, losses, and unforgettable moments. Now, in her 102nd year, she had finally been recognized by the team she had always loved.
Her Secrets to a Long and Happy Life
While football brought her joy, Brown attributed her longevity to a few simple, time-tested habits. When asked how she had made it to 102 with such a sharp mind and youthful energy, she shared four key principles that had guided her through life.
1. Drink Plenty of Water
Brown was never one for sodas or sugary drinks—she stuck to water, a habit she credited for keeping her feeling good. “I just like it,” she said simply. Science supports her wisdom, as proper hydration has been linked to slower aging, improved organ function, and a lower risk of disease. The Mayo Clinic recommends that women drink about 11.5 cups of water per day, while men should aim for 15.5 cups. Even if someone falls short of those numbers, maintaining good hydration is essential for long-term health.
2. Stay Active
Though she never spent hours in a gym, Brown made sure to stay on her feet as much as possible. In her later years, she made walking a daily priority, trying to get at least 30 minutes of movement when the weather allowed. “I’d walk around the block, take my time, and enjoy it,” she shared. Walking is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy weight, strengthen the heart, and promote overall well-being, making it an excellent habit for longevity.
3. Live by Strong Values
For Brown, life was about more than just staying physically healthy—it was about maintaining a good heart and strong relationships. Her three guiding values were faith, family, and football, and she believed in the simple philosophy of treating people with kindness. “Before you blame someone else for what’s wrong in the world, ask yourself, ‘Am I treating this person the way I want to be treated?'” she said. Her faith remained especially important to her throughout her life. “It’s all that I have, and He guides me every step of the way,” she reflected.
4. Keep a Positive Outlook
Brown knew how to keep things in perspective, even when her beloved Eagles had a tough game. To stay calm during stressful moments, she carried an Eagles-themed stress ball shaped like a football. “If things got tense, I’d just give it a squeeze and remind myself that no matter what happens, life goes on,” she said with a smile.
As for the Eagles’ big Super Bowl matchup against the Chiefs, she had no doubts about how she wanted things to go. “I’m always happy when they win and sad when they don’t,” she said. “But this time? Oh, they’re going to win.”
A Legacy of Loyalty and Love
Though the Super Bowl came and went, Brown’s legacy as one of the Eagles’ most dedicated fans will live on. Through generations of family watch parties, decades of unwavering support, and even a moment of recognition from the team itself, she proved that loyalty knows no age. Whether it was game day or just another day in her long and wonderful life, Brown found joy in the simple things—water, movement, faith, kindness, and, of course, a deep love for her Philadelphia Eagles.
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