Game 1 – Kicking Off Our Mission Opening Night In Philadelphia!
Are you ready for some football?! My dad is in Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, ready to make Warrior Wishes come true at the 2018 NFL season opener!
Philadelphia is known as the birthplace of America & is filled with with historic landmarks. A few of our favorites are the Liberty Bell & Eastern State Penitentiary. Speaking of history, can you believe the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl to secure their first ever Championship!
It was an incredible game & an unforgettable experience for a few Warriors who had the chance of a lifetime to see their Eagles hoist the Lombardi trophy for the first time ever!
My dad arrived in Philadelphia via overnight bus early this morning. He has spent the past 2 days making wishes Warrior wishes come true at the Indians & Pirates games.
My dad said he barely remembered the bus ride into town as he slept the entire trip! Upon arrival, he made his way to Lincoln Financial Field, home of the World Champion Philadelphia Eagles, to check out some of the opening day festivities before the warriors arrived.
Since 2012, we have hosted some truly inspiring warriors made some unforgettable memories watching the Eagles fly. Here are some of our favorites!
Today we my dad met 2 more inspiring warriors, Marines Brian Lewis & Ian Norris. He met them at McFaddens, The Best Sports bar in Philadelphia! Don’t take our word for it, see for yourself here! http://www.mcfaddensballpark.com/
Our friends at McFaddens have been helping us make wishes come true since we began our mission in 2012. They always provide a delicious meal to the warriors to thank them for their service. We cannot thank them enough for their support & partnership!
After getting to know Brian & Ian over dinner, my dad presented them with Eagles caps courtesy of New Era, a couple of thank You letters & front row tickets in the upper deck to watch their Eagles kick off the 2018 season! Needless to say, they were pumped up!
Once inside the stadium, they sent my dad this picture from their seats. But unfortunately had to evacuate them shortly after they arrived, due to severe weather coming thru the area.
The Falcons and Eagles kicked off the action & revealed their 1st ever Championship banner 30 minutes late. Now that I think about it, “Action” may have been a bad choice of words there because there really wasn’t much action in the first half. Both teams struggled on offense and the Falcons took a 6-3 lead into the half.
Jay Ajayi scores the first touchdown of the NFL season midway through the 1st quarter to give the Eagles a 4 point lead heading into the 4th and final quarter.
The Falcons capitalized on an Eagles turnover and scored their first touchdown of the season on a 2 play drive to take the lead.
With 2:19 left in Regulation, Jay Ajayi scored his 2nd touchdown of the evening to set up another dramatic finish between these 2 NFC rivals.
The warriors and everyone in the stadium and around Philadelphia watched nervously as the Eagles clung onto a 6 point lead. The Falcons marched down the field in the final 2 minutes to set up a 1st & goal opportunity. It was deja vu, as they had this same opportunity to knock the Eagles out of the playoffs last year, but failed to convert the TD and lost the game.
And for the 2nd straight game, Believe it or not, the Falcons once again failed to score…. a tough defensive stand sent the city of Philadelphia into a frenzy and the defending super bowl champions wrapped up the night with a victory!
Operation Warrior Wishes would like to thank New Era for providing the Eagles caps & Mcfaddens for providing the pregame meal!
TOGETHER WE MAKE WARRIOR WISHES COME TRUE!
Most importantly, we want to thank Brian & Ian for your service & sacrifices. You are appreciated!
I’m just a few hours, My dad will be on his 4th overnight bus in as many nights destined for Boston. He will be back in action tomorrow hosting warriors at the Red Sox game! Stay tuned for more details!
Don’t forget to follow our mission on Facebook & Twitter @WarriorWishes & Nominate your warrior for an upcoming game on our 2018 Schedule at www.WarriorWishes.org
