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Underdogs: The Philadelphia Eagles' Emotional Road to Super Bowl Victory
Following a season with incredible highs and heartbreaking lows, the Philadelphia Eagles went on to do what fans had all but written off as impossible: for the first time in the franchise's history, Philly won a Super Bowl.
Philadelphia Inquirer Eagles beat reporter Zach Berman takes fans on a journey through the action-packed season -- from the preseason and midseason player pickups that shaped a championship team to the gut-wrenching injury of star quarterback Carson Wentz through to the bold play calling and nail-biting moments in Super Bowl LII, in which the Eagles bested the favored-to-win New England Patriots.
A book unique in its scope and insight thanks to Berman's on-the-ground reporting, Underdogs will detail the unlikely story that captured national attention; explain how the team resonated among a desperate fan base that waited 57 years for a championship; and even delve into the players' social activism during a particularly political NFL season. With a foreword by beloved Philadelphia radio announcer Merrill Reese and an 8-page full-color photo insert, it's the perfect keepsake item for anyone who bleeds green.
During his six years covering the Birds, Berman has developed relationships with some of the most notable characters that led the team to Super Bowl victory. In Underdogs, he'll explain why Nick Foles contemplated retirement on his way to winning Super Bowl MVP. He'll detail Howie Roseman's journey to NFL executive of the year after being cast aside by former coach Chip Kelly. He'll show Malcolm Jenkins' journey to team captain, how Chris Long's life changed in a Tanzania hotel bar, why Eagles kicker Jake Elliott didn't consider football until he was chosen at random at a high school pep rally, and where Carson Wentz ate dinner the night before he left for the NFL Draft. These more obscure stories offer incredible context and depth to an already fascinating story of success against the odds.
Philadelphia Inquirer Eagles beat reporter Zach Berman takes fans on a journey through the action-packed season -- from the preseason and midseason player pickups that shaped a championship team to the gut-wrenching injury of star quarterback Carson Wentz through to the bold play calling and nail-biting moments in Super Bowl LII, in which the Eagles bested the favored-to-win New England Patriots.
A book unique in its scope and insight thanks to Berman's on-the-ground reporting, Underdogs will detail the unlikely story that captured national attention; explain how the team resonated among a desperate fan base that waited 57 years for a championship; and even delve into the players' social activism during a particularly political NFL season. With a foreword by beloved Philadelphia radio announcer Merrill Reese and an 8-page full-color photo insert, it's the perfect keepsake item for anyone who bleeds green.
During his six years covering the Birds, Berman has developed relationships with some of the most notable characters that led the team to Super Bowl victory. In Underdogs, he'll explain why Nick Foles contemplated retirement on his way to winning Super Bowl MVP. He'll detail Howie Roseman's journey to NFL executive of the year after being cast aside by former coach Chip Kelly. He'll show Malcolm Jenkins' journey to team captain, how Chris Long's life changed in a Tanzania hotel bar, why Eagles kicker Jake Elliott didn't consider football until he was chosen at random at a high school pep rally, and where Carson Wentz ate dinner the night before he left for the NFL Draft. These more obscure stories offer incredible context and depth to an already fascinating story of success against the odds.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2018
15 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 16, 2024
Go Birds.
July 12, 2021
Heart this book. Well written, easy to read, direct style (well, the author is a news journalist). I mean, Super Bowl VII. C'Mon! Philly Special. "We all we got! We all we need!" Been listening to ZBerm aka "the stone cold newsman" on pod "Birds With Friends", now that he writes for the Athletic. Didn't really read too much of him when he was a beat writer for the Inky and Daily News. Will excuse the fact that that Philly Boy Zach worked as a G-Men beat writer for the Star Ledger (wandering the wilderness). Like Zach, the Birds showed me they had something special going during the Thursday Night game with the Panthers. It was like, "Wow, the Birds might be able to go deep in the post season this year". That the birds won that day while I watched with a large contingent of friends and family gathered for the upcoming marriage of my daughter, just helped ice the cake of that wonderful wedding weekend. Berman sets up how the Eagles went into the SuperBowl season with the how the team was put together and profiles of Lurie, Roseman and Peterson, as well as how they maneuvered to draft Wentz. In subsequent chapters, he summarizes each game and a non game subject involving some aspect of the team. Once in the post season, Berman spents more time documenting the games. This book doesn't reveal any new nuggets, it neatly collects and documents the story of the Eagles Super Bowl season. When we look at where the Eagles are now, 3 years latter, we can only hope that lightening can strike again. Don't read this book under the current lens of Pederson gone, Wentz gone (aka quit the team), Roseman doing I don't know what, and Lurie being even more intrusive than Dan Snyder or Jerry Jones, Read this book as a celebration of how you felt when the Bird won their first ring and the Lombardi came to Philly.
January 22, 2023
The 2017-18 Philadelphia Eagles were certainly a surprise- not expected to go far after star quarterback Carson Wentz was lost due to injury, backup quarterback Nick Foles led them to an improbable champions, topped off by an upset victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII. The Eagles beat reporter, Zach Berman, has compiled a good recap that magical season. What I really liked about it is that Berman collected stories and wrote about more than just the quarterbacks and head coach Doug Peterson. From the hard working GM to the kicker, Berman shares the wealth and credit for the win around the entire team.
What didn’t feel right was that even though it was written by a journalist and narrated by a good one in Peter Coleman, the audiobook felt more like the work of a fan recalling all of his or her blog posts about the team. Whether one wants to listen to the audio book or read the printed version, it will certainly help to be an Eagles fan to truly enjoy this. Otherwise, it’s just a recap of a season that the other 31 teams would probably want to leave behind for good.
What didn’t feel right was that even though it was written by a journalist and narrated by a good one in Peter Coleman, the audiobook felt more like the work of a fan recalling all of his or her blog posts about the team. Whether one wants to listen to the audio book or read the printed version, it will certainly help to be an Eagles fan to truly enjoy this. Otherwise, it’s just a recap of a season that the other 31 teams would probably want to leave behind for good.
February 3, 2019
This is aimed mostly at Eagles fans, who are sure to enjoy Berman's engaging account of how Philadelphia's most enduring dream became a reality.
Berman intersperses brief recaps of each regular season game with vignettes about Eagles players, coaches, and other franchise personnel. He also has sections on the preseason, summarizing how the team was put together, both the front office and the players; and the postseason, recapitulating the three triumphs that brought Philly the Lombardi Trophy at last.
The book was published quickly to take advantage of the euphoria and enthusiasm of Eagles fans as the new season began. My main criticism of it is that this clearly shows. It feels rushed in spots. For example, the high school where Doug Pederson began his coaching career is named "Calvary" (as in the Bible), but at one point it becomes "Cavalry" (222), which is a common mistake.
Elsewhere, in his recap of the NFC division game against the Falcons, Berman writes that "Wentz once again hit Alshon Jeffery along the sideline" (187-8). Obviously this is wrong, since Wentz didn't play in the game because of his season-ending injury.
There aren't more mistakes like that, but there are a few sentences which could have used one more round of polish to be smoothed out.
My other main criticism is that I wish Berman had included the dates for all the regular season games. A nitpick, no doubt, but that's information I'd like to have.
Those cavils aside, this is a fun book and Berman does a good job not getting too bogged down in football minutiae. His capsules about various players and their backgrounds are well done and do a good job showing their personalities. They really do come from all walks of life, but, as Berman relates, they united on the road to victory.
Eagles fans will be silently (and not so silently) cheering as the team wins the Super Bowl one more time. I know I was.
Saturday 2/2/19
Berman intersperses brief recaps of each regular season game with vignettes about Eagles players, coaches, and other franchise personnel. He also has sections on the preseason, summarizing how the team was put together, both the front office and the players; and the postseason, recapitulating the three triumphs that brought Philly the Lombardi Trophy at last.
The book was published quickly to take advantage of the euphoria and enthusiasm of Eagles fans as the new season began. My main criticism of it is that this clearly shows. It feels rushed in spots. For example, the high school where Doug Pederson began his coaching career is named "Calvary" (as in the Bible), but at one point it becomes "Cavalry" (222), which is a common mistake.
Elsewhere, in his recap of the NFC division game against the Falcons, Berman writes that "Wentz once again hit Alshon Jeffery along the sideline" (187-8). Obviously this is wrong, since Wentz didn't play in the game because of his season-ending injury.
There aren't more mistakes like that, but there are a few sentences which could have used one more round of polish to be smoothed out.
My other main criticism is that I wish Berman had included the dates for all the regular season games. A nitpick, no doubt, but that's information I'd like to have.
Those cavils aside, this is a fun book and Berman does a good job not getting too bogged down in football minutiae. His capsules about various players and their backgrounds are well done and do a good job showing their personalities. They really do come from all walks of life, but, as Berman relates, they united on the road to victory.
Eagles fans will be silently (and not so silently) cheering as the team wins the Super Bowl one more time. I know I was.
Saturday 2/2/19
October 16, 2025
Underdogs by Zach Berman is the perfect book for any fan who wants to relive the magic of the Philadelphia Eagles’ unforgettable 2017 Super Bowl season. Berman does more than just recount the games — he pulls back the curtain and gives readers a seat inside the locker room, on the practice field, and even in the quiet moments that defined the team’s identity.
What makes this book stand out is the balance between detailed reporting and storytelling. Berman doesn’t just list stats or summarize scores; he captures personalities, rivalries, and the underdog mentality that became the team’s rallying cry. From the highs of Nick Foles’ improbable rise to the raw emotions of players and coaches who knew they were defying expectations, it’s all here with a level of access that makes the season feel brand new.
Whether you’re a diehard Eagles fan or just love a good sports underdog story, Underdogs is a must-read. It’s not just about football, but about resilience, belief, and what happens when a team comes together at exactly the right moment. Reading it feels like being part of the parade down Broad Street all over again.
What makes this book stand out is the balance between detailed reporting and storytelling. Berman doesn’t just list stats or summarize scores; he captures personalities, rivalries, and the underdog mentality that became the team’s rallying cry. From the highs of Nick Foles’ improbable rise to the raw emotions of players and coaches who knew they were defying expectations, it’s all here with a level of access that makes the season feel brand new.
Whether you’re a diehard Eagles fan or just love a good sports underdog story, Underdogs is a must-read. It’s not just about football, but about resilience, belief, and what happens when a team comes together at exactly the right moment. Reading it feels like being part of the parade down Broad Street all over again.
August 21, 2021
Zach Berman is an exceptional writer and reporter. I thoroughly enjoy his articles on The Athletic and the part he plays on the Birds With Friends podcast. This book was a great look back at the magical season that was the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles. Berman did a great job of capturing how significant that Super Bowl title was for the team and its long-suffering fans
December 29, 2018
Good, not great, retelling of the Super Bowl Championship season of 2017 by Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer. He is a beat writer for the paper and covers the team on a daily basis. It is worth the read if you want to relive the championship season.
May 10, 2020
Very good recap of the eagles super bowl team if you are a fan of the team and want to relive the magical year.
August 29, 2020
Excellent. Relived super bowl 52
December 19, 2020
Amid a terrible 2020 season, this book transported me to happier times as an Eagles fan. Berman does a great job as always in this retelling of the magical Super Bowl season.
January 30, 2025
As a lifelong Eagles fan, this book was a fantastic recount of the season that will stay with me forever. Fly Eagles Fly! 💚🦅🏈
March 25, 2020
Ever since I first read Mark Bowden's masterful Bringing the Heat about the 1992 Philadelphia Eagles, I never thought I would find another book about my hometown team that I loved as much as that. Then I read Zach Berman's Underdogs.
Where Bringing the Heat is a classic Bowden book - with stories and big picture ideas and lots of background - Underdogs is a true beat writer's book. It's just reporting, reporting, and more reporting that brings you into such a ground level, personal perspective that you feel like you're living the 2017 season as part of the team. Some of the stories, like Malcolm Jenkins' journey, are astounding. Some, like Kobe Bryant's visit to the Eagles, are now heartbreaking. Some, like Lane Johnson's journey to the pros, are hilarious (the phrase "a cheeseburger and a week" caused me to laugh out loud on a plane, and look like a maniac). All of them are fascinating and exceptionally well told.
What I like most about this book is how much it exceeded my expectations. I've consumed as much media about the 2017 Eagles as is healthy - and probably beyond that. I figured this would be an enjoyable walk down recent memory lane. Instead, I was learning something new on every page. And it still managed to deliver the emotional punch of reliving what is, for every Eagles fan, the greatest season we experienced.
The bottom line is that if you're an Eagles fan - whether a diehard or just a casual - this book is a must read. And if you're even just a fan of football, the view that you'll get of the lives and journeys of the men who make up a football team, and particularly a championship football team, makes this well worth a read. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
Where Bringing the Heat is a classic Bowden book - with stories and big picture ideas and lots of background - Underdogs is a true beat writer's book. It's just reporting, reporting, and more reporting that brings you into such a ground level, personal perspective that you feel like you're living the 2017 season as part of the team. Some of the stories, like Malcolm Jenkins' journey, are astounding. Some, like Kobe Bryant's visit to the Eagles, are now heartbreaking. Some, like Lane Johnson's journey to the pros, are hilarious (the phrase "a cheeseburger and a week" caused me to laugh out loud on a plane, and look like a maniac). All of them are fascinating and exceptionally well told.
What I like most about this book is how much it exceeded my expectations. I've consumed as much media about the 2017 Eagles as is healthy - and probably beyond that. I figured this would be an enjoyable walk down recent memory lane. Instead, I was learning something new on every page. And it still managed to deliver the emotional punch of reliving what is, for every Eagles fan, the greatest season we experienced.
The bottom line is that if you're an Eagles fan - whether a diehard or just a casual - this book is a must read. And if you're even just a fan of football, the view that you'll get of the lives and journeys of the men who make up a football team, and particularly a championship football team, makes this well worth a read. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
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January 15, 2019This book is great for people who are passionate about football.
April 4, 2019
This is a very good book that captures the struggles and successes of the Philadelphia Eagles super bowl season, though there are many grammatical errors, I enjoyed it a lot.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews