When it comes to football loyalties in New Jersey, there’s an ongoing debate: is it Giants territory, Jets turf, or Eagles land? While New Jersey doesn’t have its own NFL team, it is sandwiched between two of the biggest football markets: New York and Philadelphia. As a result, allegiances are split, and sometimes, it comes down to something as simple as geography. Here’s an in-depth look at the arguments for each team.
New York Giants: The Meadowlands’ Giants
The New York Giants play their home games at MetLife Stadium, which is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Despite carrying the “New York” moniker, the team has been ingrained in New Jersey culture for decades. The Giants have a storied history, including four Super Bowl titles, which has garnered a massive and loyal following. For many New Jersey residents, especially those closer to New York City, the Giants are the default choice.
New York Jets: Sharing the Turf
The New York Jets also play at MetLife Stadium, making them co-residents with the Giants. While the Jets haven’t been as successful historically, they’ve had their moments and maintain a dedicated fan base. For some, especially younger fans, the Jets’ underdog reputation makes them more relatable and the team to root for. The shared stadium leads to a unique rivalry between Jets and Giants fans, even within the same state.
Philadelphia Eagles: South Jersey’s Team
The further south you go in New Jersey, the more Eagles jerseys you’ll see. The Eagles play their home games at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, just a short drive for South Jersey residents. With a Super Bowl win in 2018 and a fiercely passionate fan base, the Eagles make a compelling case for allegiance, especially for those in cities like Camden and Cherry Hill that are geographically closer to Philadelphia.
Who Claims New Jersey?
The reality is that New Jersey serves as a battleground for these three teams. Your team of choice might depend on your location within the state, your family’s historical allegiance, or even the era in which you grew up watching football.
While we may not come to a consensus on which team can truly claim New Jersey as its own, one thing is clear: the state’s residents are not lacking in options or passion when it comes to football.