Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s NFL fandom tested with Philadelphia Eagles paint scheme

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a diehard fan of the Washington NFL team. His fandom is such that he frequently takes to social media to express his frustration with the team’s performance and has even been known to receive game updates in the middle of a NASCAR race.

So why is Earnhardt then going to have the Philadelphia Eagles logo and colors on his car in an upcoming Monster Energy Cup Series race, as he will do June 11 at Pocono Raceway?

Well, in NASCAR sponsorship dollars trump loyalties to one’s favorite NFL team. And in this instance the Eagles paint scheme is part of an “All-Pro Teachers” charity program supported by Axalta, Earnhardt’s sponsor. The program recognizes teachers in the tri-state area around Philadelphia, which is why Earnhardt will have the scheme at Pocono, located 95 miles outside of Philadelphia.

But though Earnhardt is driving a green, gray, black, and white car — and supports the charity initiative — don’t expect him to switch his allegiance. He even took to Periscope to adamantly explain that his heart still remains with Washington.

“I’m really sad about that,” Earnhardt said of the Eagles paint scheme. “Being a Redskins fan, it was very hard for me to wrap my brain around that.

“I hope that my Redskin pals, all the fans, the fandom that I’m a part of, don’t disown me. HTTR. Hail to the Redskins. … I know it probably shocked a few of my fellow Redskins fans. It seems like it made some of the Eagles folks happy. Interesting day.”