WHEREAS, Since their inaugural season in 2004, the Philadelphia Soul Arena Football Team, owned by former Eagles star quarterback Ron Jaworski, has had the most championship wins of any professional sports team in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, During the Summer of 2017, the Philadelphia Soul completed their 12th
season in the Arena Football League. In those 12 seasons, the Philadelphia Soul has won four Division Championships, four Conference Championships and three World Championships, including the 2016 Arena Bowl; and
WHEREAS, From the moment the Philadelphia Soul won last year's Arena Bowl, the team was focused on repeating their win in 2017’s Arena Bowl; and
WHEREAS, On August 26, 2017, at the Wells Fargo Center, the Philadelphia Soul were given their chance for a third title win against the Tampa Bay Storm; and
WHEREAS, The Tampa Bay Storm made their presence felt early, taking a 20-7 lead. However, the Philadelphia Soul made a dramatic comeback in the second quarter, when quarterback Dan Raudabaugh threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown. Raudabaugh and his defense were able to take a 44-34 lead before Tampa scored a late touchdown; and
WHEREAS, With the home field advantage, the Philadelphia Soul dominated the series against Tampa Bay in the quest for their second straight and third overall Arena Bowl title, with a score of 44-40; and
WHEREAS, The City declared Wednesday, August 30, 2017 as “Philadelphia Soul World Champions Day,” in honor of the team’s recent championship win, and for continuing to be an inspiration to and positive reflection upon our great City; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and honors the Philadelphia Soul for their third Arena Bowl Championship title win.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Philadelphia Soul as further evidence of the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body.
End