After Rocky V left Stallone feeling as if the movie series had hit the canvas, he loves the way the latest and final film allows some cinematic closure for the gritty Philly fighter.

“I wasn’t happy with the fifth one,” Stallone said Monday night at Lincoln Financial Field where the Eagles played Carolina. All the freezing front-row fans at Monday night’s game still seemed to love Philly’s favorite fictional son, chanting, and “Rocky!” “Rocky!” at Stallone during pre-game warm-ups. It’s the kind of reception the 60 year old actor or is it the character receives everywhere in Philadelphia. Even former Eagles player Hugh Douglas stopped by the TV broadcast booth to meet Stallone.

“Philadelphia’s been like a real safe haven for me,” Stallone said. “The reason I’m here today is because of Philadelphia. They just backed the film. It was a real perfect blend of the character, which really represented the people of Philadelphia. It just was a lucky accident it all came together.”

Stallone said “Rocky Balboa” shows an older Rocky, who is reluctant to get back in the ring but ends up fighting just to compete, not necessarily to win. Old pal Paulie is back, but Rocky’s been growing apart from his son. One crucial character doesn’t return, though somehow she still gives The Italian Stallion the added inspiration to fight for the title one more time.