Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie is widely regarded as one of the most respected owners across all major American sports, not only for his leadership on the football side but also for his commitment to social causes and community projects in Philadelphia. One cause particularly close to Lurie’s heart is autism research.
His deep personal connection to the issue has driven him to invest significantly in finding better ways to understand and support those with the condition. Kylie Kelce, wife of former Eagles center Jason Kelce, recently spoke about Lurie’s dedication on her podcast after a historic donation he made to autism-related initiatives.
Kylie Kelce Shares Important Message Regarding Jeffrey Lurie’s Work With Autism Research
No sport exists in a vacuum. Beyond competition, sports are powerful tools for social transformation, capable of uniting people, changing lives, and mobilizing communities toward greater causes. In that sense, Lurie and the city of Philadelphia share a unique connection.
Recently, the Eagles owner made a historic $50 million donation to establish the Lurie Autism Institute in partnership with Penn Medicine and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The institute is set to become a global hub for autism research, aiming to better understand the condition and develop more effective ways to support those affected by it.
The bond between the Eagles and their city runs deep. Over the years, Kelce and his wife, Kylie, have become vocal about representing not only the team but also the community they call home. On her podcast, Kylie praised Lurie’s commitment to the cause and spoke about how impactful this effort will be for the entire city of Philadelphia.
“I do think that Philly, really dedicating themselves to this mission, for Jeffrey to have the vision to create this organization, this foundation and partner it with the Eagles organization in a way that everyone in that building understands the mission,” Kylie said, via “Not Gonna Lie” with Kylie Kelce.
“They understand why Jeffrey’s passionate about it and why everyone should be passionate about it because it impacts so many people, so many families and now people are starting to realize that they have a personal connection that helps them sort of lean in a little bit more.”
Lurie has a deeply personal connection to the cause. His brother was diagnosed with autism, making it a subject that holds significant meaning for his family. With the resources at his disposal, the Eagles owner chose to invest in improving conditions for those living with the condition.
Among his initiatives, he funded the creation of a sensory room at Lincoln Financial Field, offering a safe and quiet space for autistic fans to escape the noise and intensity of the stadium.
Thanks to Lurie, the Eagles have become one of the most inclusive franchises in the NFL and one of the most socially conscious in recent years, positioning themselves as one of the teams with the greatest impact on society today.