Cam Meets Jalen Hurts

Yesterday was an amazing day for Cameron - and myself. As avid Philadelphia Eagles fans and Cameron is a member of the Kids Club that the organization runs. A few weeks ago we were sent an email that the club was hosting a “kids press conference” with their quarterback Jalen Hurts and we could register via zoom to attend but also ask him some questions. As I read further, it was mentioned that a handful of kids would be chosen at random to interview him in person. I have never filled out anything as fast! A week before the event, I received an email that Cameron was invited to the event and would be given the opportunity to not just ask him question, but to get an autograph and tour the locker room. I instantly got emotional as I knew what this would mean to him.

When I told him he was over the moon excited! When Thursday came, we packed the car with snacks and grabbed the memorabilia we brought with us to get signed (his jersey and a football) and started on our three hour ride to Philly. We were only allowed one adult to participate in the event- but my dad (Pop Pop) rode with us to keep us company. He hung out in the car while we were there. We arrived early to the event and took the opportunity to change our clothes and take some photos.

One thing Cameron has picked up - is that it’s okay to be overdressed and sometimes you have to dress to impress. When we spoke about the event I asked him what he wanted to wear and he said “my suit of course”. He also picked out his Swoop pin from Ms. Amanda and his Schwooperhero pin to wear on the lapel.

When we parked the car and started making our way to the event, everyone we passed told him How nice he looked and how sharp he was dressed. He beamed and said “dress to impress right?” And usually followed it up with a fist pump and giving out one of his pins. We were greet the Swoop - the Eagles mascot first he hugged cam and made mention of his outfit (gesturing the best he could without talking). Then we were greeted by three of the teams cheerleaders who commented how great he looked as well. The smile was ear to ear. We were shown to the press conference room where we took a seat three rows back but center so there was a clear line of sight. The room was about 1/3 filled with the other kids who were chosen and their adults with them. Cameron got a little nervous and asked me to sit with him. He also asked if he could change to be in his jersey like everyone else. I told he him could change if he wanted but pointed out that while everyone else had a jersey on he was the only one who had a suit and he could stand out. The different was okay but if he was more comfortable changing that was okay too. He opted to stay in his suit. He asked to go give the cheerleaders and Swoop a pin - which we did and then we waited.

The press conference started on time and within minutes Jalen was seated right in front of us. When the time came for the kids to ask questions Cameron’s hand flew up and he was able to ask the first question.

The questions varied from serious football questions, to growing up, to favorite foods. Toward the end of the event, Cameron was able to ask a second question.

After a half hour of kids say the darnedest things - they were able to line up and get one item signed. Cameron chose his football. He also gave him a fan letter he had written. He was greeted kindly and warmly by Jalen and was beaming when he came back with his football and a photo signed.

From there we made our way to the locker room. We took photos at the lockers of some of our favorite players and even with the Superbowl trophy! Before we left we gave an envelope to one of the kind helpful staff who was running the event with another letter to the players and organization staff. It contained some of his pins and thanked them for being part of a great organization and wishing them luck for the season.

The event was about an hour and a half from start to finish and afterward Cameron said it was”worth the drive”. We met up with Pop Pop and told him about the event and headed our three hour drive back home.

This little boy has been on cloud nine ever since and the best part is that tomorrow- Saturday- we will be taking him to his first NFL game. We’ll travel back to Philly and watch the Eagles take On the Vikings in their last pre-season game. I can’t wait for more core memories for this little dude and our favorite team!