Philly Leader

While the Eagles are set to play in the first-ever NFL game in South America on Friday night, the organization has been making its mark in Brazil since it arrived earlier in the week.

On Thursday, the Eagles Autism Foundation hosted a roundtable in São Paulo to discuss the state of autism research and care in Brazil. The roundtable was part of the Eagles' growing connection to the Brazilian community.

The panel for the discussion included Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie and five Brazilian-based medical researchers with backgrounds in genetics, neuroscience, child psychiatry, and molecular biology.

"The mission of the Eagles Autism Foundation is to improve the lives of those affected by autism in every community around the world," Lurie said. "The research being conducted in Brazil is highly impressive and has the potential to bring new ideas, technologies, and resources to the table. We are excited to expand our efforts in South America and look forward to funding even more progressive forms of research that can help individuals and families everywhere."

At the event, Eagles Autism Foundation Executive Director Ryan Hammond announced that the organization will support Brazilian-based autism research with a $400,000 pilot grant which scientists can apply for through September 30. The grant will support basic and clinical research, studies focusing on affected individuals and families, and diverse model systems.

The roundtable saw attendance from more than 80 members of Brazil's autism research and scientific community.

"If we can shine a light on autism as we travel as the Philadelphia Eagles to Brazil and authentically include into our plans while we're there, I think that's really what the vision for Jeffrey is all about," Hammond said.

Attendees learned more about Eagles Autism Foundation's mission along with how important it is to continue aiding autism research and care globally.

"If you made a donation in 2024, you'll personally be supporting this initiative. You play a part in our team's history and something even more of a milestone for the foundation of supporting this effort and hopefully creating even more excitement and enthusiasm to do autism research in such a highly populated country," Hammond said.

Before Thursday's roundtable, the NFL hosted a community day event in São Paulo featuring children from São Paulo as part of its efforts to grow flag football globally.

During community day, athletes from Special Olympics Pennsylvania and Special Olympics Brazil were invited by Eagles Autism Foundation to join their peers at a clinic. With help from translators, coaches/volunteers received training along with visual schedules and sensory bags provided by Eagles Autism Foundation.

Participants went through skills drills designed to introduce them to NFL Flag football. They also met SWOOP, the Eagles' mascot, along with team cheerleaders.

"You just see how the game has been expanding. It's a beautiful game... I'm just excited to see it expand like it has... I'm excited to see where it goes," Jalen Hurts said about flag football during his press conference on Thursday. Hurts was featured promoting flag football as an addition for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics during an August commercial.

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