The Philadelphia Eagles kicked off “Salute to Service” month by hosting military families at Lincoln Financial Field. The team extended an invitation to the nonprofit organization Gold Star Gamers, offering a night of video games with Eagles players.
Kids like 7-year-old Nehemiah Rodriguez had the chance to play video games with the Eagles, including offensive tackle Fred Johnson. In a friendly game of Madden 24, the young gamers took on the football pros, with playful banter and competition.
All the children involved in the event had lost a parent in combat, training, or military service. These activities help them socialize and enjoy positive interactions.
Eagles players Devon Allen, Rick Lovato, and Brandon Graham joined in the fun but made it clear that they were not planning to take it easy on the kids, jokingly asserting their determination to protect their home field.
The event was particularly meaningful to Sue Pascal and her two sons, as her husband, Bill, was a Marine and a devoted Eagles fan. Bill passed away 16 years ago, and this opportunity allowed his sons to connect with his favorite team and create lasting memories in his honor.
While the Eagles are having a successful season and aiming for another Super Bowl, the focus of the day was on crowning the Madden 24 Super Bowl winner, with Rodriguez and Johnson vying for the title. In the end, the young gamer, Nehemiah Rodriguez, expressed his confidence in Fred Johnson’s victory, sealing a fun and memorable evening for everyone involved.