Jason Avant partners with PepsiCo Beverages North America for a back-to-school pep rally

For eight phenomenal seasons as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, from 2006 to 2013 to be exact, Jason Avant spent play after play and game after game reminding us why we cheer for this football team. Years later, he's still doing all that he can to bring joy to the city in which he began his football career. None of us should be surprised.

Players come and go. Several have worn the Number 81 jersey, but none of us have to be reminded of who Jason Avant is. He played the game with an infectious smile, one he shared with a local Philly community recently.

Jason Avant and PepsiCo Beverages North America bring sunshine to the students at Marshall Elementary School.

PepsiCo Beverages North America has done it again. So has Jason Avant. They recently partnered to host a back-to-school pep rally at Marshall Elementary School. 260 backpacks were given free of charge to students. They were filled with school supplies and shelf-stable meals. The latter was provided through PepsiCo Foundation’s Food for Good program, an organization that allows students opportunities to receive the nutritious meals they need.

Lunch was provided by FoodChasers' Kitchen, a long-time PBNA food service partner and local Black-owned restaurant. The goal? Help area youth begin their school year on a high note. We can officially state that the efforts were successful.

As an added bonus, he took time out to hang with Inside The Iggles editor Geoffrey A. Knox. What follows is some of the results of that conversation. Thank Mr. Avant for the time. Thank PepsiCo Beverages North America for the accompanying photos that were included in the clip.

Jason Avant collected 297 receptions, 3,646 receiving yards, and 12 touchdown receptions during the aforementioned eight Eagles seasons. That includes 116 regular-season games with 52 starts and another eight playoff game appearances.

His last game in Midnight Green came on January 4th, 2014. Still, his legacy is about more than what he did on the football field. He's an all-around good guy and a great teammate. Just ask anyone who played with him.

We tip our caps to both him and PepsiCo Beverages North America for their efforts. They deserve a pat on the back for this one.

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