Saturday. Today we were picked up in a limousine and taken to the NovaCare Complex, the Philadelphia Eagles Training Facility. We didn't know what to expect. This was an exciting day!
We were given an awesome tour which began in the coaches locker room. Riley had his own "locker" with Eagles clothing, hats and jackets. Coaches gear! AWESOME! He shared some with his brothers and enjoyed the surroundings of the locker room. Right outside the coaches locker room door is a hallway with several doors. They are conference rooms for the various positions. Linebackers room, running backs room etc. It was pretty cool to see their process.
We checked out the conference room where the Eagles meet as a whole team. It was just like a movie theater but with HUGE leather seats. When I sat back in the seats, my feet didn't even touch the floor. Yes, these chairs are made for football players! This is the location for many press conferences as well. I loved the carpet. :)
Brian Dawkins and Chad Lewis, some of Riley's favorite past players.
Near this hallway of pictures was the office of the sports writers. Many cubicles. I could see Riley there someday :)
This was the hallway that led from the locker rooms and gym to the outdoor practice field. We stood in this hallway and watched as the players hustled out to practice. They were so friendly and said hello on their way out. Our tour guide told us that Coach Reid is big on being on time. "You do not want to be the player who walks out late!" Then Coach Andy Reid came out of the locker room. He spoke with us for a few minutes, greeting each one of us. He is so genuinely kind! He then invited us out for the practice!
It was a walk through practice where they literally "walk through" every play. We were not allowed to take pictures during the practice but it was really cool to watch how they do things. Toward the end they called Riley over to finish off a few plays and introduce him and then he was able to lead the break!! Very Cool!
Riley Cooper (number 14), yelled over to me, "Hey Mom... take a picture... It's Riley, Riley and Nick!
Jason Abant and Riley
Coach Andy Reid, Riley and Nick Foles
Riley has been very excited to meet Foles. He played for the U of A and Riley was thrilled when he was drafted to the Eagles!! Riley and Nick talked about the draft and it was great to listen to their conversation. Foles loved seeing Vince's U of A jacket and talked about how he missed Arizona and how great it was to see that "A"!!
As we were standing outside after the practice talking with everyone, Coach Reid (who was the only one wearing shorts), starting handing out something from his pockets. They were "warm grabbers" that he said is his secret weapon. He keeps them in every pocket of his jacket and shorts. I wondered how he was handling the cold in those shorts! He signed a football for Riley and mini helmets for each of the kids. I was so impressed with how much he seemed to enjoy speaking with Riley and the little kids. He is the nicest man!!
Riley and Duce Staley, a former player and now coach
Some of the many gloves that players gave to Riley after practice and the ball they used. Awesome souvenirs!!
We spent the rest of the day checking out some shops for Eagles gear, we went to the home of famous poet, Edgar Allan Poe, and enjoyed the richness of downtown Philadelphia. What a great day!
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