
Pennsylvania
Inducted: December 22, 2019
Captain: Big Ed Callahan
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Big Ed Callahan
At the center of the Eagle Mobile II tailgate is Big Ed Callahan—a Philly original whose passion for the Birds is matched only by his commitment to creating the ultimate game day experience. Big Ed is more than just the captain; he’s the anchor, the host, and the spark that ignites the lot each week. What started as a simple gathering around a weathered RV has grown under his leadership into one of South Philly’s most iconic tailgates. With a booming laugh, a quick wit, and a commanding presence behind the bar or grill, Big Ed sets the tone for every Sunday. He’s the first to arrive, the last to leave, and always the one making sure visitors feel like family—even if they root for the wrong team. Whether you’re a rookie stopping by for your first cheesesteak or a long-time tailgate regular raising a Tomakazi to the sky, one thing is certain: when Big Ed’s in the lot, you’re in the right place.
Learn More About Our Tailgate
The Eagle Mobile II reflects one of Philadelphia's oldest neighborhood traditions: everyone is welcome, but everyone is expected to contribute. Parked in Lot E4 outside Lincoln Financial Field, the tailgate has grown into one of the Eagles' most respected gameday communities because it was built on participation rather than spectatorship. Friends arrive with recipes, drinks, cooking equipment, raffle prizes, and a willingness to help wherever they are needed. New visitors are greeted warmly, but it doesn't take long before they discover that the Eagle Mobile II isn't simply a place to stop before kickoff. It is a community where every person helps shape the experience.
The tradition began in 2005 when an aging 1979 motorhome became the centerpiece of a small gathering of Eagles fans determined to create something uniquely their own. Inspiration came from an earlier road trip to Cleveland, where an unexpected exchange of hospitality between rival fan bases demonstrated that great tailgates are built through generosity and mutual respect. That experience remained part of the group's identity as the original Eagle Mobile eventually gave way to the Eagle Mobile II, providing a larger home for a tailgate that continued to grow while preserving the same neighborhood atmosphere that defined it from the beginning.
A Sunday with the Eagle Mobile II begins long before most fans enter the parking lots. Breakfast is a collaborative effort, with Irish and Philadelphia influences appearing side by side on the griddle. Omelets filled with Irish Swiss cheese, American cheese, and Philadelphia cream cheese share space with bacon, scrapple, and pork roll before the menu gradually transitions toward cheesesteaks, sausage and peppers, ribs, roast pork, seafood, and other favorites. Once each season, a whole roasted pig becomes the centerpiece of the day. These meals are remembered not simply because of the recipes, but because they represent dozens of hands working together to feed friends, returning guests, and newcomers alike.
The same spirit extends to every corner of the tailgate. The bar is as much a gathering place as the grills, serving Bloody Marys in the morning before introducing the Tomakazi, the signature cocktail that has become synonymous with Eagle Mobile II. Visitors are invited to share a drink, tell a story, and become part of the conversation. Returning guests understand the unwritten tradition that has guided the tailgate for years. Everyone eventually finds a way to contribute, whether by bringing food, stocking the bar, lending a hand with setup, or simply helping welcome the next unfamiliar face that wanders into Lot E4.
That philosophy has strengthened friendships while expanding the tailgate's influence far beyond football. The Eagle Mobile II has become a dedicated supporter of the Eagles Autism Foundation, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars through raffles, merchandise sales, and the generosity of its members and guests. The same willingness to give that defines every Sunday in the parking lot has found a larger purpose, allowing the community to support families throughout the Philadelphia region while demonstrating that tailgating can strengthen a city long after the final whistle.
The Eagle Mobile II represents Philadelphia at its best: loyal, hardworking, welcoming, and eager to reward those willing to become part of the neighborhood. Every breakfast prepared before sunrise, every shared drink, every charitable fundraiser, and every helping hand reinforces the same tradition that inspired the tailgate from the beginning. Its lasting contribution to Eagles football is not measured by the size of the RV or the menus served each week, but by proving that the strongest communities are built when everyone brings something to the table and leaves it better than they found it.







