Philadelphia has a newly crowned MVP, and it wasn’t for anything he did on the field. Instead, it was for years of dedication and impact that played out far away from it, as Philadelphia Eagles Executive Vice President and General Manager Howie Roseman was honored with the Most Valuable Philadelphian award by the Philadelphia Visitor Centre Corporation at their Philly Opener Gala on Monday.
From an unpaid front-office intern to becoming the National Football League’s youngest General Manager at 34, and now being recognized as the Most Valuable Philadelphian, Howie Roseman’s story has been one of grit, growth, and grace.
“Pretty special to be honored in Philadelphia… I couldn’t imagine doing it anywhere else,” Howie Roseman said (Via NBC Sports Philadelphia)
His appointment as General Manager in 2016 induced a radical shift, not just in Philadelphia, but in the entire National Football League.
Long before data found its place in the NFL, Roseman’s fresh take had given him analytical insight into player potential and market dynamics, enabling him to blend incredibly valuable draft selections along with mind blowing free agency acquisitions. His stint with the Eagles has been one of inarguable progress with massive results to show for it.
His abilities to identify talents in the most unforeseen places and pull off ‘miracle trades’ are unmatched, as his draft day decisions have proven to be beneficial both in sporting and financial terms.
Despite being born in New York City, his dedication towards Philadelphia is best portrayed in his speech during the Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl Victory Parade this year, where he got a bruise on his forehead from a beer hurled during the parade.
He got on the microphone and declared, “I bleed for this city,” showing how much of his life has been dedicated to Philadelphia over the past 25 years.
Beyond the National Football League, Howie Roseman has also extended his influence to the community by involving himself in charitable initiatives and getting partnerships with local organizations. One of such initiatives that exemplify his commitment to Philadelphia is the Eagles Youth Partnership.
For the bleedings, the hard work, the revolution, the victories and for being a trailblazer, Roseman is well deserving of this honor as the Most Valuable Philadelphian. With this impetus, it’s hoped that he leads the Eagles to another Super Bowl Victory next year.
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images
