PHILADELPHIA – It was 6:30 a.m. on a Saturday, and a haze covered the area around Lincoln Financial Field, holding back the impending heat that would bake the area just a few hours later. Inside Lot K, one of the parking areas at the stadium, several people on bikes began warming up, preparing to make a 50-mile trek through the city and the surrounding areas.
As they pedaled in small circles, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver DeVonta Smith began walking up to them, shaking their hands and holding small conversations with the riders. While the two would later ride a smaller distance, they came out early to welcome everyone for the 5th annual Eagles Autism Challenge.
The Challenge is a series of events ranging from runs, walks, and bike rides to raise money for autism research and support. Since the event began in 2018, the foundation has raised more than $16 million.
Several Eagles players and coaches participated in events, culminating with a gathering inside the stadium to celebrate the occasion, taking part in games, eating some food, and taking pictures with players.
Hurts, who is heading into his second season as the team’s starting quarterback, has worked with people who had autism in the past, dating back to his time at the University of Alabama, taking part in mentoring people with autism and going to a prom with them. Hurts said that it was important to be here to show support to those who have autism and their families.
“I’ve always had a passion for helping autistic kids and autistic people,” Hurts said. “I know they experience their differences and have their battles, but ultimately having their back and having their support. Showing them that support is the least that I can do. They’re human just like we are, and I think everybody needs to understand that.”
Hurts added that it was also important seeing the fans take part and help out the cause.
“It just shows that there are people out there that really care,” Hurts said. “It’s good to see that in this city. I’m saying fans out there supporting us as diehards. They have the same passion for other things too.”
Smith also said he was glad to be on hand for the event, stating that it was important to have everyone come together to bring awareness.
“That’s what it’s all about,” Smith said. “Just giving back to the community however you can and just being able to relate to everybody and everything that they’re going through.”
As for running back Miles Sanders, he believes the comradery and having so many of his teammates coming out to help is a reflection of what the team means to the city and vice versa.
“It just shows what type of team we have and the type of stuff that we’re willing to do for the community,” Sanders said. “This fan base is everything, and they show a lot of love. This is one way we can show it back.”
For Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, seeing the event grow as it has since it began. Lurie said that he wanted to have something that brought a difference to those impacted by autism, being that nearly one in 41 people are currently on the spectrum. Lurie said he wanted to help out because autism research and programs is “underfunded.”
“it was sort of a one-day event to run and walk,” Lurie said. “Now, it is what it is, which is a 365 days a year and a giant event like this that has raised $16 million, with 100 percent going to research and community programs. The whole organization, including the players and coaches, lives it year-round. The Eagles Autism Foundation is our love, and it’s been wonderful.”
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Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.
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