Eagles hit runway for Big Brothers, Big Sisters

Eagles players flank Dom DiSandro at the Fashion Touchdown 2023 celebration. Photo courtesy Hailey Photography

The Kelly Green uniforms Eagles players wore in their recent game against Miami were spectacular, but that only scratches the surface of just how stylish the Eagles’ fashion sense really is.

Last week, Eagles players, past and present, were on hand for Fashion Touchdown 2023 to benefit the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Independence.

As featured models for the event, which took place at 2300 Arena (2300 S. Swanson St.), the Eagles players hit the runway in front of more than 700 guests.

The event raised more than $340,000 for BBBS Independence.

The funds will be used to help bring mentoring opportunities for young people across the Delaware Valley.

Big Brothers, Big Sisters is committed to creating positive role models and one-on-one mentoring relationships between concerned adults and area youth.

Current Eagles stars Hasaan Reddick, Boston Scott, plus defensive backs Darius Slay, James Bradberry and Josh Jobe, were among the featured “models” on the runway wearing designs from Boyds of Philadelphia.

Former stars such as Brian Westbrook, Mike Mamula and Vinny Curry were also on hand.

Curry was a very interested participant as a former “Big” in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program.

Other Eagles luminaries attended as well, including Greg Ward, Charlie Mack and crowd favorite Hollis Thomas.

The Eagles were proud to be a part of the festivities, which resumed after the three-year hiatus caused by the COVID epidemic.

The event was also an opportunity to honor one of the most visible members of the Eagles organization, even though few people fully understand his true role and contributions to the team’s successes since he joined the organization in 1999.

Domenico DiSandro is officially listed on the Eagles organizational chart as Special Assistant to the General Manager / Chief Security Officer.

“Big Dom,” as he’s affectionately known, is best known to the public as a shadow to coach Nick Sirianni on game days. He’s the good-natured, all-purpose facilitator for the coach, usually dressed in comfortable Eagles gear. He could easily be mistaken for an inactive offensive lineman, if not for the serious look on his face. He has served Eagles coaches in that capacity since 1999.

DiSandro is responsible for the team’s security matters, which includes but is not limited to providing background information of prospective players and securing team members’ safety at tram and outside events.

At Fashion Touchdown 2023, DiSandro was honored with the BBBS Independence Igniting Potential Award for his too-often unacknowledged contributions to the great Philadelphia community.

“This award is about people seeing the greatness of what Dom has helped the Eagles to build and accomplish for almost 25 years,” CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Marcus Allen said, “not just to the sport but also to people who need a mentor and guidance. It helps us lift up the power of mentoring.”

Fashion Touchdown was a rare opportunity to give credit to one of the good guys who have helped make the Eagles organization successful off the field as well as on. ••