On Saturday morning, the Eagles held one of the most remarkable events on their organizational calendar: the Eagles Autism Challenge (EAC). More than 7,000 people participated in the annual 5K, which offered a 30-mile bike ride, a 10-mile bike ride, or a 5K run/walk option. While the early wet weather was less than ideal, fundraisers followed a course that led to a finish line that flowed through one of the end zone tunnels. From there, participants collected a medal and basked momentarily at the breathtaking sight of Lincoln Financial Field from the field level.
“Because of you, we’ve had 43,000 donors worldwide,” Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie addressed the crowd collected on the protective grey mats above the team’s home grass. “This year, we are going to raise over $10 million, shattering last year’s record and taking us beyond $40 million since the Challenge began. That number isn’t just big, it’s transformational.”
At the charity event, thousands of fundraisers got autographs and captured selfies with their favorite Eagles players, both new and old. Unsurprisingly, Jason Kelce’s appearance for the 8 AM, 10-mile bike ride was a massive hit as he slowly made his way to the starting line through a crowd of Eagles fans waiting for their event to begin. According to in-stadium information, Kelce was the top fundraiser for the 2025 Eagles Autism Challenge. Brandon Graham, a new member of the Eagles Alumni list, shared a few jokes with his former teammate as the duo awaited the start of the bike ride through the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Some Super Bowl LIX Champions, including Jordan Mialata and Cooper Dejean, joined the Super Bowl LII teammates.
Philly’s football organization isn’t just raising funds for research and calling it a day. “The impact is real,” Lurie said. “We now have 30 neurodiverse staff members working in game day operations.” In association with Popcorn for the People, the Eagles provide meaningful and lasting jobs for adults with autism and individuals with other disabilities in the Philadelphia community. According to recent data, the neurodiverse community suffers from an unemployment rate above 50%. “Together, we’re building a future where inclusion is the expectation, not the exception,” said Lurie.
While the 2025 EAC has wrapped up, there will still be opportunities to support the Eagles Autism Foundation through various events in the Philadelphia area. The Eagles hold an annual training camp practice that benefits the Foundation through proceeds and ticket sales. However, that date for this summer has not been announced yet. During the season, the Eagles Autism Foundation 50/50 Raffle benefits the cause, with half of the jackpot’s proceeds going to the charity effort.
