The Eagles and Fanatics help Make-A-Wish dreams come true: ‘That [didn’t] even feel real’

After practice on Friday, Eagles offensive lineman Jordan Mailata had some wishes to grant.

After having a catch with the kids in attendance via the Make-A-Wish Foundation, he arranged them into a circle to play a quick game called claps, which he typically plays with other members of the offensive line. Mailata explained the rules: toss the ball to anyone in the circle, but you have to clap before you catch it.

Eventually, each player was eliminated until Mailata was the last one standing — that is until Jordan Davis entered the game, dethroning Mailata in front of everyone.

“He beat me at my own game,” Mailata said.

This was just one part of an already busy day for Dylan Hynum, 11; Sam Sweeten, 18; Evan Weiner, 16; Abdul-Sami Amedu, 19; Jemma Kearney, 15; and Dylan Parsons, 16.

Their schedule featured a $200 shopping spree at Mitchell & Ness, a tour of Lincoln Financial Field, and a meet-and-greet with Eagles players. They also got to sign a one-day contract with the team with Eagles general manager Howie Roseman in attendance.

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Dylan Hynum approached the podium where Roseman stood. There was a football card with Hynum’s photo and a one-day contract to join the team on the desk.

Hynum signed the contract and took his first few photos as an official player.

“See you out there on Sunday,” Roseman said. “Whatever you need for good luck, bring it.”

Hynum then returned to the conference room with the rest of his new teammates, marveling at the Dunkin’ goodie bags that greeted them when they first entered the room. The bags included bucket hats, glasses, socks, tumblers, koozies, and Boston cream doughnuts with their faces stamped across the top.

But the fun didn’t stop there. After signing their contracts, the kids made their way toward the front entrance of the Jefferson Health Training Complex, where they signed their very first autographs.

The festivities continued at Lincoln Financial Field, where the families were led through a tour around the stadium as the crew prepared for a home game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday (1 p.m., Fox29).

They were taken to several areas, including the news conference room where Amedu recreated Jalen Hurts’ famous line, “So that’s what y’all wanted to see, huh?”

Then they were brought into the locker room, where they were greeted by Swoop and they found custom Eagles jerseys with their names on the back hanging from their lockers.

The kids were taken onto the field in style with their new gear as they practiced their very own tunnel walk. Lights flashed, music played, and they made their way onto the field just as the Eagles would on game day.

“You’re my favorite player of all time, I swear to you,” Weiner said. “I’m not even joking.”

After posing for a photo with Jalen Hurts, Weiner kept his composure and used the time to praise the quarterback. But as soon as Hurts left, Weiner let out a big breath and put his hands on his knees.

“Oh my God, that [didn’t] even feel real,” Weiner said.

Once practice wrapped, the team made its way over to the kids, and players posed for photos, signed autographs, and engaged in fun conversations — including video game talk. Davis encouraged the kids to start playing Elden Ring, and Fred Johnson asked whether they knew what an Easy-Bake Oven was.

Parsons, a New Jersey native, only needed a few words to describe the day: “It was amazing.”

Parsons, who was most excited to see Barkley, wore a smile on his face for most of the day. He immediately put on his Dunkin’ sunglasses and tossed on his custom No. 26 jersey on top of his Barkley threads in the locker room.

“This is amazing,” Dylan’s mom, Kari Parsons, said. “It’s really awesome to see everything that everyone has put into them.”

Dylan’s dad, Joshua Parsons, added: “We never expected this at all, and then, out of the blue, we got contacted. And it’s just amazing to see the amount of effort they put into it and everything they do for the kids to make it special for them.”

The families also will attend Sunday’s game against the Rams. But first, Fanatics and Make-A-Wish surprised them with a $200 shopping spree at Mitchell & Ness to get them fitted up ahead of game day. Mitchell & Ness is owned by Fanatics, which has partnered with Make-A-Wish since October 2023.

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Each kid will receive pregame field passes on Sunday and will have a special experience built around their wish.

Parsons will be a water boy. Weiner will shadow the team photographer. Amedu will get another tour of the stadium. Hynum will participate in the field flag experience. Sweeten, who is interested in being a sports broadcaster, will visit the Merrill Reese and Mike Quick radio booth, the broadcast booth with Tom Brady and Kevin Burkhardt, and the stadium control booth. Kearney will be on the field for pregame activities.

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Just a few months ago, when Eagles training camp got underway, the defense drew rave reviews. The prevailing sentiment was that the unit was poised to dominate this year. So far through three games, Vic Fangio’s group has done anything but. From the lack of forced turnovers to missed coverage assignments, the Eagles have plenty of room for improvement. Can Fangio work his magic to get the defense on track in time for this week’s showdown with the high-powered LA Rams? The Inquirer’s Jeff McLane puts the defense under the microscope, and also answers listener questions in this week’s mailbag. Listen here.

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