Tanner McKee, the Philadelphia Eagles’ backup quarterback, celebrated a significant milestone as he threw his first touchdown pass in the NFL during a recent game against Dallas. The 20-yard touchdown went to Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Brown but took an unexpected turn when Brown accidentally tossed the souvenir football into the stands at Lincoln Financial Field.
Brown, who felt remorseful about the mishap, expressed his feelings, stating, “I felt so bad because I threw it so far.” This was a notable moment for McKee, a sixth-round pick from Stanford in 2023 who had never seen regular-season action before being called into the game due to injuries to starters Jalen Hurts and Kenny Pickett.
Despite being thrust into the spotlight, McKee threw the touchdown during a game where the Eagles clinched the NFC East title, contributing to the team’s commanding 41-7 victory. The celebration was briefly overshadowed when McKee realized that his first touchdown ball was lost in the crowd.
However, the Eagles fans quickly rallied to return the cherished ball. After the fan who initially caught the ball was promised a jersey by Brown, a relay commenced, with fans passing it along to Eagles security and staff until it finally reached McKee. He expressed gratitude for the fans’ efforts to return the ball, appreciating the spirit of camaraderie that surrounded this moment.
In a show of goodwill, Brown signed and gifted his game jersey to the fan named Patrick who returned the football, all while the crowd chanted “E-A-G-L-E-S!” This sense of community highlights the strong bond between the players and Eagles fans.
In a further show of promise, McKee didn’t stop at just one touchdown; he added a second touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. This victory not only marked a personal achievement for him but also reinforced the unyielding support of the Eagles’ fan base.
This heartwarming story underscores the community aspect of sports and how fans play a crucial role in the athletes’ journeys, celebrating their successes together. The future looks bright for McKee as he continues to grow within the league.