Dec 14, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Bryan Braman (56) kneels before the start of a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles 38-27. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
It’s been just over 25 years since Michael Irvin extended for a pass from Troy Aikman on the Veterans Stadium Turf and was clipped by Eagles Safety Tim Hauck. Transported to one of Philadelphia’s premier hospitals, Irvin was even visited by Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie. Even after receiving some of the best medical care in our city, it was indeed the end for his twelve-year career.
Two weeks ago, nearly 70,000 Eagles fans witnessed a gruesome injury to New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo. The play was so horrific to witness that TV wouldn’t even replay it. Skattebo was having an impressive rookie season for the Giants — he had already scored a touchdown last Sunday against the Eagles and also scored in the previous meeting between the teams three weeks earlier.
We Philadelphians have a national reputation of reveling in the physical ailments of our opponents in opposing uniforms in athletic settings. But that is something of a misconception.
Of course, we want any advantage on the field of play, the ice of an NHL rink, or the NBA hardwood. And if a lighter roster helps to tilt the balance to our home teams: so be it. But we have seen too many of these devastating injuries shatter the championship dreams of our own sports franchise’s melting into despair. We’ve lost quarterbacks to devastating injuries, pitchers to Tommy John surgery, and NBA talent to nagging knee injuries.
After the game, Eagles Head of Security Dom DiSandro delivered pizza and cheesesteaks to the Giants rookie running back after his surgery to correct a dislocated ankle before his return to New York. It was just another example of brotherly love — not unfeeling rejoicing — for an opponent needing assistance in Philadelphia.
Thirty-two years ago in October 1993, Chicago Bears wide receiver Wendell Davis went up for a pass from quarterback Jim Harbaugh and got both feet stuck on the turf of Veterans Stadium. He tore patellar tendons in both of his knees that required urgent medical attention.
Before leaving Philadelphia, Cam Skattebo thanked the medical staff who helped him and our city for taking great care of him. No problem, Cam. Don’t let the reputation fool you.
We’ll always take good care of you, anyway.
