Jalen Hurts donated $200,000 to Philadelphia schools to install air conditioners.
The Philadelphia Eagles are celebrated not only for their success on the football field but also for their unwavering dedication to giving back to the community. Through a range of initiatives and the efforts of individual players, the Eagles have made a lasting impact on the city of Philadelphia and beyond.
Eagles Autism Foundation
At the heart of the Eagles’ charitable efforts is the Eagles Autism Foundation, which has raised millions of dollars to fund autism research and provide resources for families affected by autism. In 2024, the foundation partnered with KultureCity to unveil a refreshed sensory room at Lincoln Financial Field, creating an inclusive environment for fans with sensory needs. Events like the annual Eagles Autism Challenge bike ride and walk continue to be major fundraisers for this cause.
In April 2024, the Eagles Autism Foundation collaborated with Arch Enemy Arts to host a charity art gala. This unique event brought together players, artists, and fans to support autism research while celebrating Philadelphia’s vibrant arts community.
Jalen Hurts’ Charitable Efforts
QB1 Jalen Hurts, famously stoic, uses his love for children through The Jalen Hurts Foundation, which helps fund programs like the mentorship program KB Foundation and donated air conditioning to Philadelphia city schools that were not equipped with them. For his efforts, Hurts was named Citizen of the Year by The Philadelphia Citizen.
He also donated shoes to patients of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia who helped him design cleats for the My Cause My Cleats initiative.
A Philly Special Christmas
The team’s charitable spirit extends to unique initiatives like A Philly Special Christmas, an album recorded by current and former Eagles players, including Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson, and Jordan Mailata. Proceeds from the album sales benefit local charities including Operation Snowball, an organization with the goal of providing a Christmas gift for every student in Philadelphia’s public school district. The album is so popular, that it debuted at No. 1 among independent albums.
Jason Kelce’s Fundraising Efforts
Despite retiring after the 2023 season, Jason Kelce, a beloved figure in Philadelphia, has taken a hands-on approach to philanthropy. In 2024, he bartended at a local fundraiser for the Eagles Autism Foundation, drawing fans together to support the cause. Kelce’s dedication to community service has cemented his status as a leader both on and off the field.
A.J. Brown’s Sideline Reading Spurs Advocacy
Wide receiver A.J. Brown made headlines recently for cracking open Inner Excellence, a book by Jim Murphy on how to help individuals perform at their best. After an explosion of media, Brown and Murphy met and began discussing ways to collaborate in a charitable endeavor. The A.J. Brown Foundation has said it is working on a new children’s reading initiative to capitalize on the spotlight.
Teamwide Philanthropy
Like Kelce, former players like Chris Long and Connor Barwin remain involved in the Eagles charitable efforts. Long and Barwin spearheaded Team Dinner, a program that unites players to support various local causes. Fellow retiree Fletcher Cox and current Eagle Brandon Graham participated in Team Dinner. The event benefited the Make the World Better Foundation, which supports public projects in the city, and the Chris Long Foundation which provides school supplies for students.
As the Eagles play for the NFC Championship this weekend, their impact on the city will be felt well beyond Lincoln Financial Field thanks to their continued philanthropic efforts.
