Poker Charity in the Wings?

Some of the most impressive team stats that the Eagles have consistently built upon and improved constantly over the years are those accomplished not as an NFL team, but as proud members of the Philadelphia community. What we’re referring to here is the string of charitable and community-building initiatives that have formed part of the team’s ethic for so long. From the Eagles Radiothon to the Book and Toy Drives for the US Marines’ Toys for Tots to the EWA Food Drives held in support of Philabundance, the Eagles have shown their unwavering love and support for Philadelphia by giving back to the community in more ways than one.

With a long history of charitable events and fundraising activities to speak of, much has already been accomplished in terms of addressing the various needs of the Philadelphia community. In looking for more ways to add to the effort, perhaps the team could also consider looking at poker charity events, one of the most popular fundraising formats gaining popularity in sports philanthropy nowadays. With poker’s reputation at an all time high because of highly publicized premier gatherings like the partypoker World Poker Tour events and globally televised World Series of Poker tournaments, many other sports franchises like golf, MMA, tennis, and boxing have partnered with poker in order to come up with even more successful initiatives.

Aside from the fact that there are many within the NFL community who are also lovers of the game, poker charity events are also a way to attract a diverse gathering of people from different fields who would relish the opportunity of competing in friendly, casual games against the Eagles. Philadelphia fans are known throughout the NFL as being some of the most fierce, loyal, and loving fans in the league (and we have the stats to prove it, too!) and nothing would give them more pleasure than the chance to engage their favorite players in a poker tournament for a cause.

With the Eagles on a 4-game winning streak, Nick Foles on an all-time high, and the team keeping pace with Dallas in the team standings, it looks as if the team can do no wrong at this point. Win or lose, the Eagles will always mean more to the Philadelphia community than just the action-packed games and championship trophies they bring home, and the team knows that as well. That might come off a bit cheesy (or too fanatical) for some, but again, we have the stats to prove that as well!

(Photo Credits: Biz Journals, NFL)