Linebacker Connor Barwin was signed to a six-year contract during free agency in the 2013 offseason. Barwin was added to aid in the Eagles' transition on defense under new head coach Chip Kelly and coordinator Bill Davis.
Barwin has been outstanding on the field. He is second in the NFC in sacks since the start of the 2014 season. He was named the NFC's Defensive Player of the Month last November when he had 6.5 sacks and 24 tackles. The 2014 campaign ended with Barwin's first Pro Bowl and All-Pro nominations.
As big as Barwin's impact has been on the Eagles, the City of Philadelphia has arguably benefited more from the linebacker's arrival.
"I want to live in the best city," Barwin said. "Everything I 'm trying to do is working for that."
Barwin has partnered with SEPTA and NRG Energy to help the environment. Furthermore, Barwin started his own charity, Make The World Better (MTWB) Foundation, and over the past two years raised nearly $500,000 to renovate two parks in South Philadelphia.
NFL Films Presents followed the transformation of the first of the two parks - Ralph Brooks - from start to finish. You can check out how Barwin was the impetus for change in the two videos below, or click here to watch the entire documentary.
The Street Eagle, Part 1
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The Street Eagle, Part 2
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Unveiling Of Ralph Brooks Park
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Connor Barwin helped unveil the revitalized Brooks Park in South Philadelphia, which benefited from Barwin's 2014 Make The World Better Concert ...
On Monday, the ribbon was cut at the revitalized Ralph Brooks Park in South Philadelphia
The Park is located at 20th and Tasker
Connor Barwin arrives for the ribbon-cutting ceremony
Barwin shares a hug with Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter
"Most folks talk about what they want to do. Connor Barwin talks about what he's going to do." - Mayor Nutter
This park, which cost approximately $450,000 to rejuvenate, benefited from Barwin's 2014 MTWB concert at Union Transfer, which featured Kurt Vile and the Violators, The Districts and others
"This is a very exciting day for everyone." - Connor Barwin
The park also features a water garden which will help lower water polution levels in the city
A look at the renovated "Tot Lot"
Barwin received a certificate of appreciation from Councilman Kenyatta Johnson
Barwin was on-hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, along with Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, Philadelphia Mural Arts representatives and many others who helped see the transformed park become a reality
Cut that ribbon!
The brand new Ralph Brooks park is officially opened!
It was a total team effort to bring this new park to life
Afterwards, Barwin took photos and signed autographs for fans
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MTWB Charity Concert, 2014
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Connor Barwin's inaugural concert at Union Transfer raised $170,000 for his Make The World Better Foundation ...
LB Connor Barwin hosted a concert to benefit his Make The World Better Foundation at Union Transfer on June 20. The concert featured Philadelphia's own Kurt Vile and The Violators
Between the concert and unique charity items, the event raised $170,000 which will be used to refurbish Ralph Brooks Park in Philadelphia
LB Connor Barwin with Christina Weiss Lurie, President, Eagles Youth Partnership, Eagles Social Responsibility and EYP staff
Fans check out the items up for auction
LB Connor Barwin meets with local politicians who support Barwin's efforts to improve the city
First-round pick LB Marcus Smith II supports his positionmate
G Todd Herremans poses for a selfie
Rookie WR Jordan Matthews shares a laugh with a fan
C Jason Kelce was also in attendance
WR Riley Cooper poses for a photo with fans
Eagles Hall of Fame WR Harold Carmichael and Connor Barwin's father, Tom
QB Mark Sanchez checks out the scene with WRs Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin
LB Connor Barwin shares a laugh with his father, Tom
T Michael Bamiro chats with fans at the meet-and-greet
LB Connor Barwin opens the concert
The Tontons on stage
The Tontons started the night off right
Next up, The Districts
A look inside Union Transfer
Fans of both Connor Barwin and the music had a night they won't soon forget
Kurt Vile and The Violators closed out the concert
Check out MTWBProject.org for more details!
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MTWB Charity Concert, 2015
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Earlier this month, Eagles linebacker Connor Barwin held his second-annual Make The World Better benefit concert ...
This was the second benefit concert held by Barwin since his arrival in Philadelphia in 2013
Connor Barwin's father says hello
DT Beau Allen and Eagles head strength coach Josh Hingst
DE Taylor Hart was also in attendance
Barwin mingles during a VIP reception before the show
Proceeds from the show benefit Barwin's Make The World Better Foundation, which is renovating Smith Playgournf in South Philadelphia
Eagles second round pick Eric Rowe
Eagles fifth round pick JaCorey Shepherd
C Jason Kelce gives a big bear hug
Many Eagles staff members showed up to support Barwin's cause
DE Taylor Hart and Eagles outside linebackers coach Bill McGovern
Barwin takes the stage to thank everyone for coming to the concert
The Suffers opened up the action
Union Transfer played host for the event
The view from the second-story balcony
The show raised $150,000 which was matched by Barwin for a grand total of $300,000
Marian Hill takes the stage
Connor Barwin continues his efforts to Make The World Better, especially here in Philadelphia
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