PHILADELPHIA — Shane Victorino’s worlds recently collided.
Victorino, a lifelong Dallas Cowboys supporter, watched as running back DeMarco Murray recently signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. The football fan in Victorino was disappointed, but the outfielder who fell in love with Philadelphia during his seven-plus seasons with the Phillies understood the move entirely.
“I tell athletes all the time … (and) I texted DeMarco when he signed here,” Victorino said Monday after the Boston Red Sox’s 8-0 win at Citizens Bank Park, according to NJ.com. “I said, ‘If there’s a city that you want to win in and understand how important as an athlete it is to win in a city like this with them falling in love with you as an athlete … this is one of the best.’ I’m very appreciative.”
Victorino, who is in the midst of his third season with the Red Sox, was a key contributor during a very successful run for the Phillies. He won a World Series title with Philadelphia in 2008 and became a fan favorite through his hard-nosed style of play.
The Phillies fans at Monday’s season opener gave Victorino a standing ovation, which is something The Flyin’ Hawaiian could see Murray experiencing in the City of Brotherly Love if he continues his reign as one of the best running backs — if not the best running back — in the NFL.
“When you talk about winning in a city like (Philadelphia) and to be loved as an athlete, that’s what it’s all about,” Victorino told NJ.com. “It’s fun. I said, ‘DeMarco, go do what you do, and you’ll be fine.’ I mean, he’s going to be loved here (in Philadelphia).”
It’s obviously a complicated time for Victorino, as his allegiances are being tested. You really can’t blame him for playing both sides of the fence.
Thumbnail photo via Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports Images
