Are you ready for some flag football?

When John Madden's tour bus arrived at Eagles training camp Tuesday, the retired broadcaster went directly to a little-known Eagles staffer standing on the sideline.

The two engaged in a long discussion, leading many to wonder what connection Madden could have to Eagles scout Ahmad Russell.

Team spokesman Derek Boyko had the story. Years ago, when Madden was still hosting Sunday Night Football, his staff would compete in flag football games against staffers from the home teams. Madden's squad always won, according to Boyko.

But then the Eagles brought out Russell, who had played linebacker and defensive end at Colgate. Russell led the Eagles team to victory, and Madden still remembers the game.

Madden is touring training camps along with National Football League commissioner Roger Goodell. The two spoke to select Eagles fans after practice and Goodell met with the team.

Former Eagles star Mike Quick made one more play Tuesday.

The former wide receiver was talking to team president Joe Banner when a practice pass sailed out of bounds and toward the crowd on the sideline.

Banner sidestepped the incoming ball, and Quick casually snatched it out of the air.

"Sign him up!" a fan yelled.

Quick gave the ball back in a hurry. "You see, I didn't want it," he said.

"You don't want what comes after [a catch]," the fan surmised.

The biggest cheer of the day was for military personnel being honored as part of the Eagles' annual tribute.

Members of the armed forces were on the sidelines for practice, and Eagles' staff wore camouflaged hats. The team and coaches met with them after practice.

- Jonathan Tamari