Philadelphia Eagles mark Autism Acceptance Day as annual challenge prepares for ninth year

The Philadelphia Eagles marked Autism Acceptance Day on Tuesday by highlighting their year-round commitment to inclusion as they prepare for the ninth annual Eagles Autism Challenge next month. At the event's start line in past years, families have seen the team's mascot wearing headphones - a small gesture that carries meaning, said Ryan Hammond, executive director of the Eagles Autism Foundation. "You see your mascot wearing headphones in a really overwhelming event, those families get it, they feel seen," Hammond said.

This year's challenge includes several updates. The 10-mile cycling route will be fully closed to traffic, allowing riders to move at their own pace alongside Eagles players and coaches. The 5K run through the Navy Yard is returning, along with a sensory walk designed for neurodivergent participants.

When the event launched in 2018, it drew 3,000 participants and raised more than $2. 5 million. Last year, the challenge reached its largest milestone yet, bringing in just under $11 million.

Organizers expect 8,000 participants this year. Hammond said the growth has allowed the foundation to expand its reach. "So, to know that we're funding science all over the world, we started funding in Philadelphia, and by year three, we outgrew and were funding every autism researcher in our city, and so we ended up expanding that support to fund, and today we're funding globally," she said.