Eagles employees lined the lobby of the NovaCare Complex two days before the Eagles host the Broncos, pens in hand, waiting for autographs.
Then, out came the newest Eagles, followed by cheers and "E-A-G-L-E-S" chants. Four Make-A-Wish kids – Liam, Hunter, Nicholas, and Christopher – along with their families, enjoyed an unforgettable multi-day experience with their favorite sports team.
The four boys had just signed contracts with the Birds in the Draft Room, Executive Vice President/General Manager Howie Roseman by their side, and made their way through dozens of employees, where they signed custom posters and trading cards with their faces.
It was just one of countless moments the group experienced.
"It's all about the kids themselves and what they like, and for them to completely try to just put aside all the hardship that they went through," said Michela Mennella of Make-A-Wish Philadelphia. "... So just kind of feel a little bit of normalcy and just leave that all [behind]. And they are the VIPs. Truly, this is for them."
The Eagles and Fanatics teamed up to host four Make-A-Wish kids and their families at the NovaCare Complex on Friday.
The four Make-A-Wish kids and their families had an unforgettable day at the Eagles practice facility.
The four Make-A-Wish kids and their families had an unforgettable day at the Eagles practice facility.
The four Make-A-Wish kids and their families had an unforgettable day at the Eagles practice facility.
The four Make-A-Wish kids and their families had an unforgettable day at the Eagles practice facility.
The four Make-A-Wish kids and their families had an unforgettable day at the Eagles practice facility.
The four Make-A-Wish kids and their families had an unforgettable day at the Eagles practice facility.
The four Make-A-Wish kids and their families had an unforgettable day at the Eagles practice facility.
The four Make-A-Wish kids and their families had an unforgettable day at the Eagles practice facility.
The four Make-A-Wish kids and their families had an unforgettable day at the Eagles practice facility.
The four Make-A-Wish kids and their families had an unforgettable day at the Eagles practice facility.
The four Make-A-Wish kids and their families had an unforgettable day at the Eagles practice facility.
The four Make-A-Wish kids and their families had an unforgettable day at the Eagles practice facility.
The four Make-A-Wish kids and their families had an unforgettable day at the Eagles practice facility.
The four Make-A-Wish kids and their families had an unforgettable day at the Eagles practice facility.
The four Make-A-Wish kids and their families had an unforgettable day at the Eagles practice facility.
The four Make-A-Wish kids and their families had an unforgettable day at the Eagles practice facility.
The four Make-A-Wish kids and their families had an unforgettable day at the Eagles practice facility.
The four Make-A-Wish kids and their families had an unforgettable day at the Eagles practice facility.
The four Make-A-Wish kids and their families had an unforgettable day at the Eagles practice facility.
The four Make-A-Wish kids and their families had an unforgettable day at the Eagles practice facility.
The four Make-A-Wish kids and their families had an unforgettable day at the Eagles practice facility.
The four Make-A-Wish kids and their families had an unforgettable day at the Eagles practice facility.
The four Make-A-Wish kids and their families had an unforgettable day at the Eagles practice facility.
The four Make-A-Wish kids and their families had an unforgettable day at the Eagles practice facility.
The four Make-A-Wish kids and their families had an unforgettable day at the Eagles practice facility.
The group began its visit on Friday with a tour of Lincoln Financial Field, where they visited their own lockers and got custom Midnight Green jerseys and trading cards before proceeding to the NovaCare Complex. From there, they went right up to ink their new contracts before signing for the staff in the lobby.
After signing, the boys got surprises from Chairman and CEO Jeffery Lurie, Pro Football Hall of Famer Harold Carmichael, and Eagles Hall of Famer Mike Quick. Each boy also got to try on the Eagles' Super Bowl LIX ring and pose for photos.
"[The Eagles] truly get the mission, and they truly put the Wish Kids forefront," Mennella said. "... I just love it. It means so much because being here and witnessing the faces of these kids lighting up and just smiling, even the shy ones, it just really makes it so worth it."
Said Jackie Welker of Make-A-Wish America: "We are seeing so many members of the [Eagles] organization just coming forward and leaning in and embracing these families and just having these moments with these kids and these families just to light up their day. And you can tell it's just such a valued partnership."
Eagles Insider Dave Spadaro then took the families on a tour of the facility. One of the first stops was the auditorium, and on the way out, Eagles legend Brandon Graham stopped by. Graham gave some words of wisdom to the group and signed their jerseys (each boy also got a custom Kelly Green jersey upon signing).
The tour went through the Eagles Pro Bowl hallway, in front of the Super Bowl LIX shrine, and the weight room before breaking for lunch.
After eating in the team cafeteria, the group got to watch the end of practice. Once the final whistle blew, nearly every Eagles player came over to sign autographs and chat with the boys and their families.
Friday was filled with smiles from everyone involved. There were extra special experiences for each person, such as Christopher meeting his favorite player, DeVonta Smith. But there is still more to come, with the boys and their families staying in Philadelphia for the game on Sunday.
"You can just see the joy and the hope, and you just see their spirits lifted," Welker said. "These people that they see as such larger-than-life figures on television are now personal in their world, and it's just something money can't buy." — Written by Matt Ryan
