Things got chippy at the Linc well before kickoff Sunday.
Members of the Eagles and the 49ers got into an on-field spat before their wild-card playoff clash in Philadelphia, with the Eagles’ head of security, Dom DiSandro a.k.a. “Big Dom,” stepping in to turn down the heat.
“Always a little [spicy] when these teams play,” NFL on Fox’s X account captioned the scene.
Sunday’s fireworks mark the latest chapter in the teams’ rivalry.
During the NFC Championship in January 2023, then-rookie quarterback Brock Purdy sustained an elbow injury after being sacked by the Eagles on the 49ers’ first offensive drive. Veteran Josh Johnson came off the bench in the eventual 31-7 loss, with Purdy reappearing in the second half.
Philadelphia then faced Kansas City in Super Bowl 2023 and lost, 38-35.
Months later, DiSandro and former 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw were ejected from a December 2023 matchup following an altercation on the sideline. Both apologized for their roles in the scuffle.
The Eagles are looking to repeat as Super Bowl champs following their 40-22 triumph over the Chiefs last February.
San Francisco is two seasons removed from a Super Bowl berth after falling short to the Chiefs in February 2024.
Although the 49ers would love nothing more than to hoist the Lombardi Trophy at their home Levi’s Stadium next month, they’re approaching the postseason one game at a time, beginning with the Birds.
“It’s do or die,” 49ers linebacker Eric Kendricks said. “You have to know what’s at stake, but obviously not think too much of it. It’s the same football game… Trust your ability, trust your preparation throughout this whole year that got you to this point. Know what it takes to win and just go out there and just play with confidence. Let it loose.”
The Eagles led the 49ers through halftime, 13-10.
