He has referenced the Eagles family in public remarks time after time again during his 27 years leading the organization. Family also inspired what will be one of his lasting legacies.
Lurie’s brother has autism. Lurie’s family is certainly not alone, as one in 54 families has someone who is on the spectrum. Lurie decided to leverage the power of the Philadelphia Eagles brand as a force for change in the autism community. But, as Eagles Autism Foundation Executive Director Ryan Hammond explains, what started as driving funds and raising with goals of millions of dollars has become woven into the fabric of who the Eagles are every single day.
Saturday was a momentous occasion at Lincoln Financial Field as the fourth annual Eagles Autism Challenge, presented by Lincoln Financial Group, was a reunion and a triumph. After the COVID-19 pandemic forced the 2020 event to be held virtually, over 1,800 people participated in the ride, run, or walk event. Afterward, everyone celebrated together with music, food, and sensory-friendly activities.
Eagles coaches and players were on hand to offer pep talks before the events and show their support, including All-Pro center Jason Kelce, who raised $50,000 as a guest bartender in Sea Isle, New Jersey, over the summer only to match that donation with his wife, Kylie.
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It was a powerful showing by the Eagles family and the autism community. It was Lurie’s vision come to life.
“Our biggest strength is bringing people together to do incredible things,” Lurie told the audience at Friday night’s Kickoff Event
