Fans return Tanner McKee's first touchdown football, sparks debate on player-fan interactions
- Tanner McKee stepped in for the Eagles following injuries to Jalen Hurts and Kenny Pickett during a recent game.
- He threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to A.J. Brown, marking his first career NFL touchdown.
- The significant moment became memorable as fans worked together to return the football, showcasing their support for the team.
In a spectacular game held at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Tanner McKee, the third-string quarterback, was unexpectedly called into action against the Dallas Cowboys on a Sunday. This occurrence was largely due to injuries affecting starting quarterback Jalen Hurts and backup Kenny Pickett, who was knocked out of the game with sore ribs. Despite being a sixth-round draft pick from Stanford in 2023, this was McKee's first regular-season NFL gameplay, marking a pivotal moment in his career. McKee successfully connected with star wide receiver A.J. Brown on a 20-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, which served as McKee's first career touchdown pass. This throw brought the score to 34-7. However, in a mishap, Brown threw the ball into the stands, initially unaware of its significance for McKee. The fans in attendance at Lincoln Financial Field quickly realized the importance of the souvenir, leading to a remarkable chain of events where the ball was eventually returned to McKee. The strong camaraderie of Eagles fans shone through as they formed a relay to send the ball back to its owner, acknowledging its milestone value. The fan who caught the ball, Patrick Driscoll, caught it one-handed without spilling his beer and was later rewarded with a signed, game-worn jersey from A.J. Brown in exchange for returning the football. Driscoll planned to frame the jersey, commemorating his unique experience and connection to the game. During this circumstance, emotions ran high as cheers of ‘E-A-G-L-E-S!’ echoed through the stadium, showcasing the passionate support of Eagles fans. This match also bore significant relevance for the team, as their commanding 41-7 victory secured their clinching of the NFC East title. McKee went on to further establish his play by throwing a second touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith in the fourth quarter. As the Eagles headed toward the playoffs, McKee's performance indicated that he might get another chance to shine should Pickett be unable to play in the upcoming season finale against the New York Giants.