The Eagles enter the season retaining most of their championship roster. The Cowboys are starting with a new coach and without Micah Parsons.
DALLAS — The defending champion Philadelphia Eagles will unveil their second Super Bowl banner in seven years, before kicking off the 2025 NFL season on Thursday night against the rival Dallas Cowboys.
Banner night for Philly. Business night for Dallas.
“I’mma watch it,” admitted Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb, referring to the pregame ceremony. “It’s not really anything personal, but it’s something that I’m chasing.”
Motivation manifests in various ways. The Eagles don’t plan to watch the unveiling at all.
“I didn’t know it was banner night,” said Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni. “No, we won’t be out there for that.”
The Cowboys have turned the page to 2025 as well.
“Regardless of the ceremonies or whatever is going on — we ultimately have a job to do and that’s to win,” said Cowboys offensive lineman Tyler Smith. “They can do whatever they want. We’re gonna go out there and handle business.”
Business overshadowed the Cowboys’ offseason due to the months-long contract dispute with Micah Parsons, who was ultimately traded to the Green Bay Packers.
In return, the Cowboys received a pair of first-round draft picks along with the talents of veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark.
“I’m here to play football,” Clark said. “I’m not worried about Micah [Parsons], the trade, all that stuff is behind me. I’m here to help this team win, and we’re trying to get a championship.”
New season, new faces and a new chapter for Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who will make his NFL regular-season head coaching debut on Thursday night.
“Play free. It’s football,” Schottenheimer said, regarding his message to the team. “Fly around. Love being with your brothers. Just run to the football, celebrate, have fun. We’re guaranteed 17 of these [games]. This is the first one. I think our guys will play well.”
The Eagles want to prove they’re still the standard. The Cowboys want to prove they’re next in line.