What happens now? Now that the Eagles have traded McNabb and turned a page, the immediate forecasts at least are for a downturn in fortunes. How will that play with their passionate fans in this era of instant gratification?
"Sports franchises are far more emotional businesses than others," said Rosner. "You might be a big fan of Tide or Budweiser or Colgate or Chiquita bananas. But you don't emote in the same way over it. We're far more loyal to sports franchises than other products.
"I've got a 19-month-old son. There have been lots of kids developing rashes and chemical burns because of a new formula [a certain brand of diapers] is using. Well, the smart response is don't buy that brand. But if the Eagles put out a bad product one year, am I going to shun their product? Of course not."
Not as long, anyway, as the team's management remains committed to building a mousetrap that will snare them the long-elusive Super Bowl victory.
"That's sports," Rosner said. "All but one team walks away a loser in the major aspect of their business every single year."
Contact staff writer Frank Fitzpatrick at 215-854-5068 or at Ffitzpatrick@phillynews.com.
