Steelers fans rooting for Chiefs, unless there's money involved

Though Pittsburgh has bragging rights when it comes to pro sports championships, the speculation has it the Steel City has a deep-rooted resentment of all things Philadelphia because Philly is a bigger and, arguably, more influential city.

Whether that’s on the mark or not, for whatever reason, a lot of Pittsburghers can’t seem to find it in their collective hearts to root for their brethren from the “City of Brotherly Love” in Sunday’s Super Bowl.

BNY Mellon analyst Gary Verazin, 31, of the North Shore personifies the way Steelers fans and patrons in the North Shore Tavern, across the street from PNC Park, were feeling Thursday afternoon.

“I’m rooting for the Chiefs because I can’t stand Eagles fans,” Verazin said. “The way they celebrate or lose, they always trash their town, pretty much. I don’t like that.”

When asked whether he felt Eagles fans have any redeeming qualities at all, Verazin had a simple answer: “Nope.”

He also disagreed with Eagles fans who don’t feel their team has a rivalry with the Steelers.

“They’re both in the same state, so, I would say so.”

And he wasn’t about to overlook the fact that the Steelers have won six Super Bowls while the Eagles have only won one.

“And they trashed their city when they won,” he added.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Travis Hayton, 33, of the North Side is also rooting for the Chiefs and beleives he has a strong reason for doing so.

“My brother’s girlfriend is an aggressive Eagles fan. She just walks in and takes over the TV when the Eagles are on,” Hayton said. “She’s an Eagles fan, and I don’t like it.”

Harrison Dorne, 37, who works for Multifamily Utility Co., said he is rooting for the Chiefs even though he has a lot of friends from his University of Delaware days who are Eagles fans.

“I would be happy for my buddies if the Eagles won, but even that’s not enough,” he said. “The Chiefs are the AFC team, so I’m giving them the nod.”

Finally, there was one Steelers fan who spoke to the Trib who said he would be cheering for the Eagles on Sunday.

“I have money on the Eagles,” said PNC Park maintenance crew member Hunter Sloan, 24, of the North Side. “I’m taking the Eagles minus the points (1.5). But that’s the only reason I’m rooting for them.

“Otherwise I would be cheering for the Chiefs.”