It has all been leading to this. After an immense amount of work and the support of the city of Philadelphia, several current and former Philadelphia Eagles have put ‘Operation Snowball’ into effect, delivering gifts to children throughout the Philadelphia school district.
Originally an idea formed in the Eagles locker room, Jason Kelce, along with friend and former teammate Connor Barwin, brought the idea to friend and Grammy award winning musician Charlie Hall. Over the years of producing music for the betterment of children in and around Philadelphia, the musical group composed of current and former Eagles, the Philly Specials, pitched an idea they had toyed—pun intended—with for years.
“It’s pretty special,” said Eagles offensive lineman Jordan Mailata. “It’s pretty special to be here. Crazy to take that we could do this; that’s only possible through Philadelphia as a whole. Everyone that partners with us, three of us. It’s a pretty special moment that we get to do this and spread a little joy.
As much work as the Philly Specials and sponsors put into this, these Eagles greats know none of it would have been possible if not for the community’s help.
“One thing that becomes apparent right away is how just unbelievable this community is,” Jason Kelce said. “How much it is a collection of neighborhoods, how entrenched and unique this city is, so, the scale of this is truly remarkable. We never thought anything like this would be achievable, but we really wanted to make it happen for all of you guys, and we’re just so happy to be here.”
“This all started as a fun idea,” added Lane Johnson. “But I think with the city of Philadelphia, the support system that we have, the brotherhood, the community… this thing has grown to what it is. So, shout out to everybody that’s here that made this possible. But it all started with love for music and the joy of a friendship, and that’s what makes it so special.”
Together, the Philly Specials—and some friends—traveled to three local schools to distribute gifts: Eliza B. Kirkbride School, Benjamin Franklin High School, and Alliance for Progress Charter School. They met scores of children, signed autographs, entertained them with songs, and hand-delivered presents to students.
Comedian, actor, and writer Pete Davidson also joined in on the fun, riding with the caravan the entire day, meeting and greeting the children alongside The Philly Specials. Davidson, a notable Long Island native, referred to himself as ‘an honorary Eagles fan’ and stated that the reason is because of the team’s head of gameday coaching operations, senior advisor to the general manager and chief security officer, ‘Big Dom’ DiSandro, of whom Davidson is a big fan.
Davidson has been making his way around Philadelphia since last Friday when he attended the Philadelphia 76ers’ matchup against the Indiana Pacers while wearing a hoodie depicting ‘Big Dom.’
In all, the Philly Specials provided not only a present for every student in the Philadelphia school district, but they also were able to provide gifts for the teachers as well, ensuring a happy holiday season for so many of Philadelphia’s next generation and those who shape their minds.
“I think the genesis of this whole album started with love,” Johnson said. “We just found a way to get back to the community that’s always inspired us, helped us, and made us who we are.”
