On Wednesday, January 6, one special youth football team from Southwest Philadelphia had an evening dedicated to them. The Eagles alongside Philadelphia City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson held a Zoom call to celebrate Southwest Philadelphia's Inner City Warriors Youth Football Team. The Inner City Warriors made Philadelphia proud as they brought home the National United Youth Football League 2021 Championship. Councilmember Johnson and the Philadelphia City Council passed a resolution, which honors the coaches and players on the Inner City Warriors Team.
"On behalf of the members of City Council, we have put together and introduced legislation a resolution honoring you and your team for their hard work and dedication, especially during this current climate here in the City of Philadelphia," Councilmember Johnson said. "We see a lot of gun violence is taking place, so for me, it's critically important that we support my young people. I believe in the power of young people and, most importantly, in encouraging them to go on and do great things."
The resolution was introduced to City Council and was signed by all members of Philadelphia's City Council.
On December 10, 2021, the Warriors traveled down to Plant City, Florida, to compete at the National United Youth Football League Tournament. While over 200 youth football teams from across the United States participated, the Inner City Warriors won the 13-and-under open division 2021 Championship. The 31-member team dominated this season with an undefeated 7-0 record and only allowing two points to be scored on them all season.
Even with the event being held virtually, the Eagles had a special surprise hiding on the Zoom call. With the coaches, players, and parents joining the call, defensive end Brandon Graham turned on his camera to congratulate the team.
"First off, I wanted to congratulate you guys. I never got to experience a championship till I got to this level," said Graham. "I'm telling you don't take it for granted. Anytime you get to hold that trophy at the end of the year, it's an accomplishment and it took a team, it took all of y'all."
To cap off the exciting evening, players were able to ask Graham questions. The Eagles also surprised the Warriors with tickets to the Eagles' game on Saturday, January 8 at Lincoln Financial Field.
"Enjoy this time right now because you're gonna look back on it and see that y'all live in some good times right now even though COVID has stopped a lot. You got it and no one can take that away from y'all," said Graham.
