Local Man in Green Face Paint Either Eagles Fan or Wicked Fan

By Clay Beyersdorfer

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A local man wearing a full layer of green face paint caused confusion and mild alarm Sunday, leaving witnesses unsure if his fervor was for the Philadelphia Eagles or the Broadway hit Wicked.

Travis Holcomb, 32, was spotted near Lincoln Financial Field, shouting a mix of Eagles fight songs and lyrics from “Defying Gravity,” the climactic anthem from the hit musical and recently released movie. Dressed in a feather boa, green-and-silver face paint, and a jersey emblazoned with “Glinda 69,” Holcomb left onlookers guessing which obsession drove his behavior.

“At first, I thought he was a die-hard Eagles fan. He kept yelling, ‘We’re flying high tonight!’” said Mike Taglieri, a fellow Eagles supporter. “Then he started singing about not needing a wizard to tell him what to do. Honestly, it could’ve gone either way.”

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The confusion didn’t end there. Holcomb alternated between loudly critiquing rival Cowboys fans and passionately describing Elphaba, the protagonist of Wicked, as “a misunderstood genius who deserved better.”

Sociologists say the incident highlights the overlapping fervor of Eagles fans and Wicked devotees, both of whom are known for their intense loyalty and penchant for public displays of emotion.

“Eagles fans and Wicked fans share similar traits,” said Dr. Hannah Levens, a professor of cultural studies at Temple University. “Both thrive on high-stakes drama, spontaneous singing, and an unshakable belief that they’re better than everyone else. Their enthusiasm borders on aggressive, but it’s rooted in passion.”

Holcomb, however, appeared unfazed by the speculation.

“Elphaba and Jalen Hurts are the same: underdogs, underestimated, and completely unstoppable,” he said while gesturing with a cheesesteak. “E-L-P-H-A-B-A, ELPHABA!”

Witnesses later saw Holcomb throwing snacks at a rival fan in the parking lot, declaring, “I have been changed for good.”

End of the Bench will have more on this story after we hit this high note.

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