Monday Morning Cheerleader – Jamie of the Philadelphia Eagles
By Steve Mazzucchi
Esquire
As her team soars toward a division title clash, fourth-year Eagles cheerleader Jamie isn’t afraid to say it: Philly could… go… all… the… way. Or at least dive-bomb Dallas next week.
Call it the blowout that wasn’t. With a 27-10 lead, the ball, and less than five minutes to play in the third quarter, the eye-poppingly explosive Eagles seemed poised to bury the Broncos. Before the quarter had ended, a short punt, a kick-return fumble, and two crafty Kyle Orton TD passes left Philly clinging to a three-point margin. Denver later tied the game, but thanks to Donovan McNabb’s scrambling, Jeremy Maclin’s tiptoe catch, and David Akers’ final seconds’ field goal, Philly salvaged a sixth straight win.
Even those familiar with this 11-4 team’s combo of skill, strength, and speed might be surprised to learn it extends to their cheerleaders. A DeSean Jackson for the sideline set, tomboy-ish Jamie relied on natural athleticism to make her squad. She works as a personal trainer by day (“I do a lot of plyometrics.”), and loves to snowboard, kayak, and snowmobile (“Anything I can control that gets my adrenaline pumping, I like.”). Named for The Bionic Woman (“It’s proved to be somewhat true.”), Jamie explains how her team, like her mom’s idol, can outrace the competition this postseason.
ESQUIRE: What a game. Even in weather that put the cheerleaders in down vests, were you sweating this one toward the end?
JAMIE: We’re dancing the whole time, the adrenaline’s pumping, and we really did have sweat on our brows. The anticipation was insane. My heart was pounding out of my chest. I love games like that… but only if we win!
ESQ: What was it like cheering against the former Eagles star, Broncos safety Brian Dawkins, today?
J: Our coaches focused on the team, rather than Dawkins, but I feel that he’s always gonna have a place in Philly. He was here for thirteen years, and players, coaches, and fans look up to him. Not too many guys have that energy, passion, and wow factor — to pump everybody up and also be a great player. The crowd cheered when he came out tonight.
ESQ: Concussions are a hot topic in the NFL lately. How did you feel about Brian Westbrook returning to the field today after multiple concussions earlier this season?
J: He obviously has the best doctors, and he’s always been a straight shooter. If he wasn’t ready to come back, he wouldn’t. Andy Reid said so. I think he was honest with himself and made the decision that was best for him. If players have great doctors around them and can do that, this won’t be as much of an issue.
ESQ: As a former outreach director for Parisi Speed School, have you ever seen anyone as fast as DeSean Jackson?
J: Absolutely not. Such a gifted athlete. You take that talent and work with it… I’ve never seen anyone float across the field. He just glides. He’s exactly what the Eagles needed, and he’s improving so quickly. Give him another year, I can’t even imagine what he’ll be doing. Some people thought he was too small for the NFL. But quick, that’s what you want to be. Size isn’t that important if you can catch the ball and run.
ESQ: Coolest Eagles rookie nickname: Smiley or JMac (Jeremy Maclin), Shady (LeSean McCoy), or Macho (Victor Harris)?
J: Hmm… Smiley, as an NFL player, if I’m going up against you, I don’t think that’s too much of a threat. Shady, I don’t know. Macho, so intimidating and strong. If I’m facing a guy named Macho across the field, it’s gonna make me nervous inside. So I’m going with Macho.
ESQ: Eagles fans are known for being pretty, let’s say, passionate. What are they like up close?
J: You said it, passionate. When our team loses, the emotion that streams through the stadium is just so intense. It hurts, and you can see it in their faces. Our fans love football and love the Eagles. But it’s so exciting and positive when we win. It’s intense and wonderful. That’s what football’s all about, and the fans just add to that.
ESQ: With today’s points, these Eagles became the highest-scoring team in franchise history. When the offense is rolling, can anyone stop you guys?
J: I like to think nobody can. When we’re on, we’re on. Look at our short-yardage guys, McCoy, Leonard Weaver, Westbrook. They’re improving the offense. McNabb’s still proving the critics wrong. Brent Celek, our tight end, has over 500 receiving yards. Jackson’s leading the NFL in yards per catch and punt returns. And Jason Avant and Maclin are really talented, too.
ESQ: That said, the defense has looked more Swiss cheese than Philly Cheesesteak in a few games…
J: You said it very elegantly. Swiss cheese. I am trying to think of a better word than Swiss cheese, but that is dead-on. Today’s win will give all our guys a boost. Hopefully they can focus on defense in practice and fill in those holes.
ESQ: It never hurts to ask. Super Bowl run?
J: Yes. We could definitely reach the Super Bowl. The talent we have, and the progression of our athletic ability, is amazing. Everyone is stepping up and working as a team. I just have a really good feeling about this year. We have so many wonderful athletes that we can’t not do well.
ESQ: In the final week of last season, the Eagles spanked the Cowboys 44-6 to make the playoffs and keep Dallas out. Next week they play for the division title. Do you foresee a similar beatdown?
J: You mean with us doing the beating down? Absolutely. When we’re on the same page, we make some fantastic plays. We’re gonna be just fine.
