South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley showed off her Philadelphia roots in a big way on Sunday, making a national TV appearance ahead of the Eagles-Broncos game on NFL on CBS.
The three-time national championship-winning coach joined the NFL Today pregame show, where she recorded an opening segment proudly representing her hometown team. Wearing a throwback Jalen Hurts jersey from his rookie season, Staley hyped up the Philadelphia Eagles and even predicted they’d win another Super Bowl this year.
“Dawn Staley setting the tone for today. #FlyEaglesFly,” wrote sports journalist O.J. Spivey on X (formerly Twitter), sharing the pregame clip of Staley’s passionate intro.
Moments later, CBS aired a pregame interview with Jalen Hurts, where former Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Ryan mentioned Staley’s gesture and asked about their connection. Hurts responded with gratitude and respect:
“Dawn has welcomed me into this city since the day I got here, even when I was not the guy,” Hurts said. “She knew it was only a matter of time. I’ve got a lot of love for her. She represents the right way.”
Back in Columbia, Staley’s own program is gearing up for another title run. BetMGM currently lists South Carolina at +250 odds to capture another national championship, just ahead of UConn (+260).
The Gamecocks will open their 2025–26 season on November 3 against Grand Canyon University, following two preseason exhibitions — October 24 vs. Anderson at Colonial Life Arena, and October 30 vs. North Carolina in Atlanta, Georgia.
Like her beloved Eagles, Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks are once again chasing greatness — both on the hardwood and in the heart of a city that knows how to win.
