Ryan Quigley, an avid Eagles supporter, was ringing in the New Year in New Orleans when tragedy struck. Alongside his close friend and former Princeton football teammate, Tiger Bech, Quigley fell victim to a terrorist-driven truck attack. Unfortunately, Bech lost his life that day, while Quigley is still on the mend from his injuries. However, a thoughtful gesture from the Eagles organization has significantly uplifted his spirits.

During the Eagles’ championship parade celebration, Quigley was in the crowd when offensive linemen Jordan Mailata, Cam Jurgens, and Landon Dickerson recognized him. They warmly insisted he join the team, carrying his wheelchair and assisting him onto the team bus.

The players were already familiar with Quigley, as the team’s awareness of the attack’s impact on him and Bech—a pair of dedicated Eagles fans—had prompted them to reach out and embrace him from the very beginning.

“I truly feel like the Eagles are family,” stated Quigley in an interview with Alex Coffey from the Philadelphia Inquirer. “Some of these players have become like best friends to me.”

Quigley expressed how the Eagles’ invitation to join them in New Orleans for the Super Bowl was a source of empowerment for him.

“It has helped me divert my thoughts from some very difficult experiences,” he shared. “I don’t think they fully realize the profound effect they’ve had on the Bech family and me, and how incredibly generous they’ve been. I can’t find the words to express my gratitude, but I do know that we will all remain Eagles fans for life.”