Malvern resident and Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley recently surprised 11-year-old superfan Ellie Kunkle with a gametime keepsake, writes Gabriela Carroll for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
At the Eagles’ matchup against the New York Giants on Oct. 26, Barkley gifted Kunkle the touchdown ball after scoring in the game’s second quarter. Kunkle was just holding out her hand for a high-five, but received a ball instead.
While she’s only eleven, Elli Kunkle is a lifelong Birds fan. A resident of Lehigh Valley, she’s attended ten games and loves going over season stats with her dad.
Ellie insists that the photo of Barkley handing her the ball go on display in the family’s basement among their collection of Eagles memorabilia.
The touchdown ball comes as one of many giveaways and autographs Barkley does for the community. The Eagles running back shared that inspiring young fans is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
Barkley frequently tries to find kids in the crowd to gift footballs. He’s active in meeting and engaging young Eagles fans throughout the community.
As for Kunkle, the football from her favorite Eagles player will serve as a keepsake and a memory to last a lifetime.
Read more about Ellie Kunkle and the 11-year-old Eagles fan’s recent gift from Saquon Barkley in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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