In 1994, Jeffrey Lurie purchased the Philadelphia Eagles, launching the most successful run in franchise history.
During his time as Chairman and CEO, the Eagles have become a perennial contender, establishing a winning tradition by capturing eight NFC East titles, playing in six NFC Championships and making appearances in two Super Bowls (XXXIX and LII), including delivering the first Super Bowl victory in franchise history (defeated New England, 41-33, in Super Bowl LII). This unprecedented run of success led to a greater overall winning percentage, more playoff games (26), and more playoff victories (14) than it had under all previous ownership groups combined.
While Lurie’s teams have thrived on the field, he has also built a successful business and community-oriented organization over the two decades that he has served as Chairman and CEO.
In 1994, Jeffrey Lurie purchased the Philadelphia Eagles, launching the most successful run in franchise history.
During his time as Chairman and CEO, the Eagles have become a perennial contender, establishing a winning tradition by capturing eight NFC East titles, playing in six NFC Championships and making appearances in two Super Bowls (XXXIX and LII), including delivering the first Super Bowl victory in franchise history (defeated New England, 41-33, in Super Bowl LII). This unprecedented run of success led to a greater overall winning percentage, more playoff games (26), and more playoff victories (14) than it had under all previous ownership groups combined.
While Lurie’s teams have thrived on the field, he has also built a successful business and community-oriented organization over the two decades that he has served as Chairman and CEO.
After purchasing the Eagles, Lurie recognized that the organization was in need of a total reconstruction, design, and relocation of its office headquarters, practice facility, and stadium. He immediately committed to providing the franchise with everything it needed to succeed and constructed two state-of-the-art facilities in South Philadelphia: the NovaCare Complex (2001) and Lincoln Financial Field (2003).
Although Lincoln Financial Field was erected specifically to house its primary tenant, the Philadelphia Eagles, Lurie also created a multidimensional event destination that could house a wide variety of events. Fittingly, the first ticketed event at the new stadium was a soccer match between Manchester United and FC Barcelona in August 2003.
Since then, Lincoln Financial Field has continued to evolve with an ever-changing entertainment landscape and underwent a two-year, $125 million revitalization in 2013. Over the years, the venue has hosted high-profile events including sold-out concerts, national and international soccer matches, the NCAA Lacrosse Championships, the Army-Navy Game, Monster Jam, Temple University football games, and more.
Lurie serves on numerous NFL committees, including the Finance Committee, Broadcast Committee, International Committee, and the Super Bowl Advisory Committee.
He is also a thoughtful and compassionate philanthropist. Inspired by his younger brother, who is autistic, Lurie and his entire family are devoted to raising both money and awareness for research on the causes of the neurodevelopmental disorder.
In 2017, Lurie launched Eagles Autism Challenge to raise money to address the complex medical and scientific issues associated with the condition of autism. The Challenge is a landmark biking and 5K run/walk event that directs 100 percent of participant-raised funds to autism research and programs at three nationally recognized institutions – Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Drexel University, and Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health.
“Autism is one of the most under-funded conditions in the country, and we need to raise awareness,” Lurie has noted. “Those who have autism are wonderful people, usually highly intelligent, sweet, and caring. They are often unable to effectively communicate with others. A great deal more research needs to be done.”
In recognition of the organization’s commitment to the community, as well as their Tackling Breast Cancer and Go Green campaigns, the Eagles were presented with the coveted 2011 Sports Team of the Year Award by Beyond Sport.
Prior to entering business, Lurie served as an adjunct assistant professor of social policy at Boston University. He earned a B.A. from Clark University, a master’s in psychology from Boston University, and a Ph.D. in social policy from Brandeis University.
Born on September 8, 1951, Lurie has two children. He is married and resides in the Philadelphia area with his wife, Tina. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, golfing, tennis, movies, music, and discovering great restaurants.
