Philadelphia Eagles | Feeding The Birds Podcast

Derrick Gunn is passionate about grilling, so it was a perfect fit when former Eagles cornerback, Mark McMillian, agreed to join him for an interview. Mark 'Mighty Mouse' McMillian played for the Eagles from 1992 to 1995, and has had a passion for grilling since he burned his first hamburger when he was in college playing for Alabama.

He's come on by leaps and bounds since then - he has a line of sauces, rubs, and seasonings so everyone can be 'Grillin with McMillian' at home! Because as Mark says, "everyone loves food and it is a good way to everyone's soul."

Colleen Wolfe and Ross Tucker are here to convince Blake Wexler which city has the best bbq - it gets sort of heated!

More from Mark at Grillin with McMillian

Chef Tim Lopez shares 13 years of experience cooking for the Philadelphia Eagles in the new season of Feeding the Birds, presented by Pepsi. Chef Tim describes the NovaCare Complex, the team's training facility, and recounts his first meal service at the grill. You'll also want to hear his memorable anecdote about Hall of Fame quarterback Donovan McNabb.

Breakfast for some is arguably the most important meal of the day. In the NovaCare Complex Cafeteria the breakfast spread can leave those who are not accustomed to it - speechless.

If you are visiting you may run into Harold Carmichael who loves to come in for some slow-cooked grits and eggs. After other players saw what Harold was eating, they gave those creamy grits a try, perhaps this breakfast staple is a key to the Hall of Fame.

Brandon Graham loves a breakfast steak, but that's too heavy for Coach Josh Hingst. He gravitates towards a less beefy start to his day. But what's his go to meal?

Get ready to hear about crispy boys and Dave Spadaro's favorite breakfast. And if grits and steak aren't for you, Chef Tim shares what else might tempt you for a sweet start to your day.

Check it out!

What happens when you have a Philadelphia Eagle plan the lunch menu?

Amazing things! The Player Spotlight Meal showcases the foods and food culture of the team. The meals open a small window into who these men are when they are not suited up on the field. These Wednesday lunches are a highlight meal of the week.

What do Sun Tzu and Chef Tim Lopez have in common? They are both all about getting into the mindset of your opponent. Chef Tim does this through serving up popular dishes from the cities where the Eagles are playing that week. If you eat Cincinnati's skyline chili, the week you play the Bengals, chances are you are going to beat them!

And when your body is a temple and you need it to perform at the NFL level - do you ever get a cheat day when it comes to your diet?

Check it out!

Cooking for the best team in the NFL really stretches a kitchen team's culinary creativity. Keep in mind that each meal needs to provide the right balance of nutrients and fuel. It is the top priority of the NovaCare Complex kitchen's team to help players achieve their diet goals, but as professional chefs, it's in their DNA to pile on the flavor and push culinary limits.

When you cook three meals a day, seven days a week, for the same people, you want to carve out something out of the routine. Wednesday and Thursday night dinners are the chance to give the players and coaches some Michelin star treatment. Now, we aren't talking white linens and polished cutlery, but we are talking high-end ingredients prepared in unexpected ways.

Patio Dinners are a Wednesday night staple at the NovaCare Complex Cafeteria. Delicious meats and seafoods grilled to perfection rain or shine. Can you guess how many grilled oysters the team can eat over the course of one of these meals and which player is the biggest fan?

On Thursdays, who can resist a themed dinner - certainly not the Eagles. The team travels to Brazilian steakhouses and New England beachside crab boils without leaving Pattison Avenue.

And if you are looking for a decadent side dish to whip up, look no further than 'crack potatoes', so you can eat like an Eagle tonight!

Check it out!

Pizza! We could probably just stop the description of this episode right here, but, of course, there is an Eagles' spin on this team favorite.

Tucked in the corner of the kitchen is a gas-powered pizza oven. It can handle five to six pies at a time. The toppings run the gamut from your traditional items, pepperoni and sausage to more gourmet, black truffle and runny egg. That's the go-to combo of Jeffrey Lurie.

This pizza oven has quite the origin story. It even involves a member of the kitchen team being sent on a grand pizza field trip to learn his pie-making technique from a master all the way in… Brooklyn.

It was so popular that the nutrition team had to step in and slow the team's pizza intake. It was a sad day at the NovaCare Complex Cafeteria, but pizza ovens can be used for cooking all sorts of tasty dishes.

Check it out!

It's gameday in Philadelphia. While you might be preparing your tailgating menu, dreaming of your loaded nachos or out buying your secret spice for your gameday wings, at the NovaCare Complex Cafeteria preparations are underway cooking the food that will lead to victory.

Gameday meals are the one day during the week that a player's diet is highly regulated. The menus are designed and overseen by the kitchen nutrition team. There is still the variety and flavor players expect, but certain tweaks are made to give each player what they need to get through the game.

Sadly, there is no pre-game gorging on local specialties when the team is on the road. Members of the nutrition team travel with the Birds to ensure the same dietary requirements are met wherever guys are. In fact, being able to provide the controlled menu is a requirement for any hotel. The pressure!

Have mayonnaise, will travel. That was the motto of the food staff who accompanied the team to London in 2018 to play the Jacksonville Jaguars. The comforts of home were shipped ahead of time, so on gameday at Wembley Stadium, there were a few familiar (jars) faces.

If you are an athlete on any level, this episode will give you some ideas of how you can eat to win, even if it's a victory of getting off the sofa!

Check it out!

Some at the NovaCare Complex might argue that the sandwich is the true winner of the lunchtime rush. It's hyper-customizable and you can run out the door with it. Of course, this being the Eagles, it's not just a ham on wheat, oh no, it's whatever your stomach desires.

And the sandwiches all come with nicknames – there's the Wolfpack and the J-Matt. Each player and staff member have a special spin on a sandwich and the kitchen team is there to accommodate the request.

If Dave Spadaro wants his ham and cheese warm, but his bun untoasted – it can be done. If a player wants a burger piled with fries and cheese on his cheat day - order up - with no judgements!

Plus, Chef Tim was tasked with creating a sandwich to represent a few Eagles players, so if you are wondering, what a sandwich version of Carson Wentz might be, listen to this to get your answer!

In 2017, the Eagles acquired a game-changer. No, it wasn't on the field. It was in the kitchen – a double-barreled smoker. Chef Tim takes you through what it was like before the smoker arrived on the campus of the NovaCare Complex and how it helped enhance one of the fun, weekly cooking experiences for the players, coaches, and staff.

Preparing for a barbecue or cookout? Chef Tim will help you make it the best one yet with an array of sides and grilling tips.

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Welcome to the preseason of Feeding the Birds, presented by Amoroso's. With the NovaCare Complex closed, Chef Tim Lopez has some time on his hands. So he's answering cooking-at-home questions from your favorite Eagles players, coaches, and other familiar voices.

Welcome to the pre-season of Feeding the Birds presented by Amoroso's. With the NovaCare complex closed, Chef Tim Lopez has some time on his hands. So he's answering cooking-at-home questions from your favorite Eagles players, coaches and other familiar voices, while providing us all with a dash or two of cooking inspiration. 

Today, it's all about breakfast. Coach Jeff Stoutland loves an omelette, but he is struggling to create this perfect eggy delight at home. Chef Tim has some thoughts on what makes  fillings and eggs. It's an easy-cheesy recipe to replicate at home.T

Since 2001, Friday breakfast fried rice has been a tradition at the NovaCare Complex. And Eagles Insider, Dave Spadaro, is a man of tradition. He is missing his weekly rice and thinks it's time to make this recipe at home. So to help, Chef Tim serves a perfect do-it-yourself version that even a non-traditionalist would love. h

Check it out

Welcome to the pre-season of Feeding the Birds presented by Amoroso's. With the NovaCare complex closed, Chef Tim Lopez has some time on his hands. So he's answering cooking-at-home questions from your favorite Eagles players, coaches and other familiar voices while providing us all with a dash or two of cooking inspiration. 

Today, Ross Tucker, Eagles preseason analyst, is missing some of his press box favorites - especially pulled barbeque chicken. Chef Tim takes you through the steps of a try-at-home recipe that can be incorporated into sandwiches, salads, wraps - or Ross' go-to - a sandwich constructed with a pretzel roll.

Fran Duffy has his hands full - literally! Working from home for him means preparing lunch while looking after his 10-month old. Chef Tim suggests a chicken BLT, but then evelates it. The beauty of the sandwich - the combinations are endless. Plus, they are portable so they are a multi-tasking father's best friend

Check it out

Welcome to the pre-season of Feeding the Birds presented by Amoroso's. With the NovaCare complex closed, Chef Tim Lopez has some time on his hands. So he's answering cooking-at-home questions from your favorite Eagles players and coaches while providing us all with a dash or two of cooking inspiration. First up, Nate Sudfeld is looking for lean protein options to throw on the grill and Chef Tim delivers with some solid and affordable options - how does a flank steak sound? And whether it's a healthy carb or a pile of greens, Chef Tim has some tasty side suggestions to help Nate and you round out your meal.

It's Thanksgiving at the Eagles NovaCare Complex, and we sat down with the Eagles food service director Eric Montijo and executive chef James Sirles to talk turkey. We also were joined by Jesse Amoroso the Vice President at Amoroso's Baking Company to hear about his Thanksgiving tailgate and all the styles of bread that best suit the perfect Thanksgiving meal. Check it out!

In this bonus episode Chef Tim stops by Lincoln Financial Field pre-game to tailgate with Matthew Groark of Groark Boys' BBQ! Tim and Matthew take a dive into some of Groark Boys' famous BBQ offerings and the importance of supporting the men and women in our military. Check it out!

Episode 7 takes us back to Reading Terminal Market to talk with the Head Butcher Sam Riehl at Halteman Family Meats, and Head Chef Stephen Safern of Hershel's East Side Deli. We also caught up with the Host of the Ross Tucker Football Podcast, Ross Tucker himself! Ross gives us the inside scoop on which NFL teams have the best press box food, and creates a signature Ross Tucker sandwich for our Amoroso's Sandwich Spot. Check it out!

In Episode 6 Chef Tim talks with two staples of Reading Terminal Market, DiNic's Roast Pork and Kamal's Middle Eastern Cuisine. We also sat down with Eagles Linebacker Nigel Bradham to talk Gulf Coast seafood and constructing a signature sandwhich. Check it out!

In episode 2 we catch up with the Eagles new rookie WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside after competing in the Rookie Chopped event at Lincoln Financial Field. We also stopped by the 9th Street Italian Market Festival in Philadelphia to talk with Emilio Mignucci about Di Bruno Bros, and the perfect Sunday Sauce. Check it out!

Feeding the Birds returns for Season 3! We talked to Iron Chef's Cat Cora and Jose Garces at the Robert Irvine Foundation Beats and Eats event about their passion, and how an Iron Chef would cook for a tailgate. We also sat down with TE Zach Ertz to hear about his trip to France to see the USWNT win the World Cup, and Tacos fit for champions. Check it out!

On the final episode of the season, Chef Tim Lopez is joined by Fran Duffy to discuss his favorite breakfast foods and where to go for the best Philly cheesesteaks. Tim is also joined by Gatorade Sports Nutrition Immersions intern Stephanie Coppola. Check us out as we take a step off the field and take a look at what's on the plate!

In the latest episode of Feeding The Birds, offensive tackle Jordan Mailata joins Chef Tim Lopez to discuss the differences between Australian and American cuisine. Chef Emily Gundrum joins the podcast to talk about her role in the nutrition of the Eagles' players as well as how she has become an important role in their meal prep. Check us out as we take a step off the field and take a look at what's on the plate!

In this episode of Feeding The Birds, we sit down with an Eagles great, Harold Carmichael! He talks to us about his famous crab boil and what restaurants he enjoys in the area. We also sit down with Chef Charles Gaiters who's a new addition and loving his new role. So check us out as we take a step off the field and take a look at what's on the plate!

Jordan Matthews and Jordan Hicks took the podium together to discuss the challenges, on both sides of the ball, of coming away with a victory on Sunday in Detroit.

In this episode of Feeding The Birds we are joined by two great guests! We hear first from voice of the Eagles, Merrill Reese, who tells us some of his food traditions and his favorite foods growing up. We also dive into the tailgate world and talk to an all time fan, Ed Callahan, who tells us about his tailgate spread and how he became a fan! So check it out as we take a step off the field and take a look at what's on the plate!!

We kickoff this season of Feeding The Birds, with an interview with head coach Doug Pederson. He talks about some of his favorite foods he makes at home and his favorite sweets. We also talked to the Food Service Director of Flik, Eric Montijo, who let's us in on some of the changes in the cafe and what he's added to player nutrition. Join us as we take a step off the field, and take a look at what's on the plate! Check it out!!

Eagles Line Chef, Tim Lopez catches up with safety Chris Maragos and talks to him about his favorite seafood and where he loves to go eat in the city. He also talks to Defensive Backs Coach, Cory Undlin about his favorite city eats and his love for Mexican food. Check it out!!

In Episode 7, Jason Kelce sits down with Chef Tim Lopez and talks about some of his favorite foods growing up, his go to spots in Philly and what food he'll never eat again. We also sit down with sports performance nutrition intern, Leslie Sholomskas and find out how she helps the players recover when coming off the field. Check it out!

On this episode of Feeding the Birds, Chef Tim Lopez is joined by Eagles legend Mike Quick, coach Eugene Chung, and Senior Chef Jason Buniak. Don't miss Mike Quick's favorite recipe, and how he won't reveal some of his secret ingredients.

On this episode of Feeding the Birds, Chef Tim Lopez sits down with tight end Trey Burton, strength and conditioning head coach Josh Hingst, and Sous Chef Eugene "PeeWee" Williford. Trey and Tim talk about everything from Spanish cuisine to barbecue hot spots to the perfect breakfast. Josh stops by to explain the science behind pairing certain foods together and the changes to the players' awareness of their diet. Plus, PeeWee is full of stories and tips about preparing the best soul food.

In this episode, Chef Tim talks with tight end Brent Celek about being a 'foodie', Philadelphia cuisine and cooking for himse.f. He also speaks with Eagles Performance Nutrition Coordinator Mike Minnis about player diets throughout the year.

In this episode, Chef Tim talks with linebacker Jordan Hicks about his rehab, Mexican food, and growing up with the flavors of Cincinnati. He also speaks with Eagles kitchen staff member Andre Moore about the hectic kitchen lifestyle and other Eagles chefs about Thanksgiving.

In episode 2 of 'Feeding the Birds,' Chef Tim Lopez sits down with Eagles wide receiver Mack Hollins to talk about favorite foods in college and his new dance. He also catches up with ESPN analyst Matt Hasselbeck and Chef Matt Esham!

On this episode of Feeding the Birds, Chef Tim Lopez sits down with tight end Trey Burton, strength and conditioning head coach Josh Hingst, and Sous Chef Eugene "PeeWee" Williford. Trey and Tim talk about everything from Spanish cuisine to barbecue hot spots to the perfect breakfast. Josh stops by to explain the science behind pairing certain foods together and the changes to the players' awareness of their diet. Plus, PeeWee is full of stories and tips about preparing the best soul food.

In this episode, Chef Tim talks with tight end Brent Celek about being a 'foodie', Philadelphia cuisine and cooking for himse.f. He also speaks with Eagles Performance Nutrition Coordinator Mike Minnis about player diets throughout the year.

In this episode, Chef Tim talks with linebacker Jordan Hicks about his rehab, Mexican food, and growing up with the flavors of Cincinnati. He also speaks with Eagles kitchen staff member Andre Moore about the hectic kitchen lifestyle and other Eagles chefs about Thanksgiving.

In episode 2 of 'Feeding the Birds,' Chef Tim Lopez sits down with Eagles wide receiver Mack Hollins to talk about favorite foods in college and his new dance. He also catches up with ESPN analyst Matt Hasselbeck and Chef Matt Esham!

In the premiere episode of 'Feeding The Birds', chef Tim Lopez sits down with Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz and learns more about the team's snacking habits during the week of practice from chef Nol Foretia.