The Philadelphia Eagles have been nominated for the 10th annual Sports Humanitarian of the Year award by ESPN. The Eagles have been recognized for their notable work with the Eagles Autism Foundation, led by Chairman and CEO Jeffery Lurie. This organization was created not only to fund scientific breakthroughs and research but also to create a shift from awareness to action. Since its inception in 2018, the foundation has raised $30 million for research and care programs, with proceeds from events like the 5K Eagles Autism Challenge.
Jeffery Lurie’s passion for the cause is personal, as his younger brother Peter has lived with a developmental and neurological disorder. The foundation has funded 116 autism research projects and community grants worldwide and has supported initiatives like a sensory room at Lincoln Financial Field, a neurodiverse employment program, and all-abilities programs. This has made a significant impact on communities globally and resulted in positive change.
The Eagles join three other teams, the Angel City Football Club, the Indianapolis Colts, and the Miami Heat, as nominees for the award. The ESPN Corporate Citizenship vice president Kevin Martinez expressed pride in recognizing athletes and sports figures who are using the power of sports to make a difference globally. The ESPN Sports Humanitarian Awards ceremony will be aired live on July 11, 2024.