Brandon Graham, DeVonta Smith, Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and other prominent names etched in Philadelphia Eagles lore were all smiles once the challenge began.
And while both current and former Eagles played a part, the ninth annual Philadelphia Eagles Autism Challenge proved once again that folks from all over the globe and all backgrounds are, in fact, stronger together.
When all was said and done, this year's annual Eagles Autism Challenge - fueled by nearly 7,000 participants and almost 40,000 donations worldwide - set an all-time record for the event's nine-year history.
Bigger and Better, year after year
Having kicked off in 2018, the massive community event continues to gain momentum each year. Featuring a run/walk and bike challenge kicking off at Lincoln Financial Field before concluding back at the stadium, this year's challenge raised over $16 million for autism research and care programs, besting last year's efforts, which raised over $10 million.
Back in 2024, the event raised just over $8 million, proving that one of the proudest and most powerful fundraising events in the entire professional sports community embodies a mission that so many people worldwide care so deeply about. In total, over $56 million has been raised since 2018.
An event that extends far beyond football
Hurts, Barkley, and other Eagles past and present, including Smith and Jason Kelce, helped lead a wave of bicyclists on the 10-mile ride. The group set off from just outside The Linc to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, around Eakins Oval, before gliding past the historic Philadelphia Art Museum and wrapping up back at the home of the Eagles. A 5K run/walk course was also filled with folks of all ages from all over, as crowds met the participants with unbridled enthusiasm throughout the event.
Each year since its inception, the challenge continues to extend far beyond the gridiron, celebrating a strong union of family and philanthropy, of selflessness and unity for all involved.
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Jeffrey Lurie praises participants
"The connection we share with Eagles fans is special and today was just another example of that," said Jeffrey Lurie, Chairman and CEO, Philadelphia Eagles. "More than 6,800 people from around the world descended upon Philadelphia this weekend to join our organization in celebrating and advocating for the autism community. The $16 million raised from today's event will go on to support cutting-edge autism research and care for individuals and families in need. We were all part of the same team today and it was everyone's contributions – players, coaches, legends, participants, donors, and sponsors – that led to another record-breaking year for the Eagles Autism Challenge."
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