Eagles focus on 2025 season as Sirianni keeps players off banner night

The Philadelphia Eagles are back for the 2025 NFL season, but head coach Nick Sirianni is clear that the team is looking to the future. Although the season opener coincides with the team’s Super Bowl LIX banner ceremony, Sirianni has told players not to join in the pregame events.

The Eagles, coming off a strong victory in February against the Kansas City Chiefs, will open the new season against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday night. The championship banner will be unveiled before kickoff at 8:20 p.m. ET, but the reigning champions will not participate in the presentation. Sirianni confirmed this in a Tuesday press conference. “I didn’t know it was banner night. We won’t be out for that,” Sirianni told reporters, stressing that the team is focused on starting the season strong rather than reflecting on past success.


Quarterback Jalen Hurts represents this mindset well. Known for his leadership and competitive nature, Hurts has reportedly not worn his Super Bowl ring in public since the offseason, showing his full commitment to the new season. Offensive tackle Jordan Mailata also noted that Sirianni had shown players an image of a car driving with the Super Bowl in the rear-view mirror. This serves as a reminder that the championship is in the past and the attention should be on the future. The Eagles’ approach highlights a larger belief: championship teams must avoid becoming complacent. While raising the Super Bowl banner is a celebration for fans and the league, Sirianni is using the occasion as motivation, keeping his players focused on Week 1 against Dallas and the challenges of defending their title.

Philadelphia’s strategy reflects both consistency and readiness. With nearly a full 53-man roster, the Eagles return many starters on offense and defense. There are still key positional battles, especially at cornerback, linebacker, and safety, but the coaching staff believes the team is prepared to compete at the highest level from the first snap. Meanwhile, the Cowboys enter as a tough opponent, dealing with injuries and lineup changes. Dak Prescott and his offense will have to adjust to a challenging environment against a disciplined, championship-caliber Eagles defense. The stakes are high, and Sirianni’s focus on preparation over fanfare could give his team an advantage in this significant NFC East matchup.
Thursday’s opener means more than just a ceremonial start. For the Eagles, it’s about building momentum, performing well on the field, and showing that last season’s success is just a foundation, not a distraction. For fans, it’s a first look at a team aiming to repeat as champions while sticking to a clear and serious approach that has defined their offseason. With attention on Jalen Hurts, the Eagles’ roster depth, and Sirianni’s disciplined leadership, Philadelphia is ready to start the 2025 NFL season with a clear purpose and no distractions from past achievements.