As mayor of one of the biggest cities in North America, you probably should be able to spell the name of your city’s most popular team.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker failed this spelling bee in spectacular fashion.
During a media conference ahead of Sunday’s NFL division-round playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams, Parker took to the podium to address the city with a snowstorm and frigid weather set to hit Philly around the time of kickoff.
As she concluded her speech, she attempted to fire up Eagles fans — but it didn’t go very well.
“Let me hear you all say, E-L-G-S-E-S, Eagles! Go birds,” she said.
The video went viral on social media, with many users quick to joke about the botched chant.
“Just another product of the Philly school system,” one X user commented.
“Fly ELGLES Fly?” another replied.
“(Mayor Muriel Bowser) of DC should bet Cheesesteaks vs Hooked on Phonics on the game this weekend,” a third person joked.
The Eagles are set to face division rival Washington Commanders on Sunday with a ticket to the Super Bowl on the line.
A local Washington radio station has taken the botched chant to the next level, selling T-shirts reading “Fly, Elgses, Fly” in Commanders colours ahead of the NFC championship game.
Parker is taking the whole thing in stride, though.
On Tuesday, she addressed her viral error during a media conference.
“We don’t promise perfection, I’m so happy I never have,” the mayor said, inviting laughs from the crowd and her staff. “Especially after I couldn’t spell Eagles right.”