Sly Stallone Helps Dedicate Rocky Plaque in Philly
“Rocky,” both the movie series and the eponymous character, are as quintessentially Philadelphian as a cheesesteak sandwich. The “Rocky steps” of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the nearby statue of the fictional boxer portrayed by Sylvester “Sly” Stallone are staplers of Philly culture, landmarks that draw tourists like flies to honey. The story of Rocky is one that everyone loves, that of a determined underdog who becomes a champion.
Visitors who came to check out the Rocky statue near the Art Museum on Friday morning got a huge surprise – Sly Stallone himself was on hand to dedicate a plaque on the statue that has apparently been missing for TWELVE years! Stallone was surrounded by dozens of loving fans as he posed for photos near the statue of himself at a younger age, arms stretched up in victory. He graciously posed for selfies and signed autographs. Stallone is in town filming “Creed 2,” the sequel to the “Rocky” spin-off that won Stallone a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in 2015.
The plaque reads: “ROCKY BALBOA. ‘IT’S NOT HOW HARD YOU HIT, BUT HOW HARD YOU CAN ‘GET’ HIT AND KEEP ON MOVING FORWARD – THAT’S HOW WINNING IS DONE.’ THIS STATUE IS DEDICATED TO THE GREAT CITY OF PHILADELPHIA AND BROTHERHOOD OF ITS PEOPLE. 2006, SYLVESTER STALLONE.”
“This is a dedication of a plaque that was made for the statue 12 years ago , but believe it or not, it had been missed placed [sic]” the “Rocky” star said in an Instagram video post. “Well, it was found and I want to thank the Mayor Jim Kenney and his staff , The Philadelphia Police Department, and of course the loyal fans that braved the cold. Keep punching, Philly.”
Mayor Kenney presented Sly Stallone with a personalized Eagles jersey as a gift from the city in honor of his visit.
