Lincoln, a 27-year-old bald eagle, has become a beloved fixture at Philadelphia Eagles home games. While this majestic bird resides at the American Eagle Foundation in Tennessee, he’s captured the hearts of Philadelphia football fans since becoming the team’s mascot in 2018. Lincoln’s captivating pre-game flights during the national anthem at Lincoln Financial Field have cemented his status as a fan favorite, embodying the spirit and power of the Eagles.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(972×492:974×494)/Philadelphia-Eagles-012925-4-c1f855e8dcc442ea8e657ce604e7ac22.jpg)
From Sanctuary to Stadium: Lincoln’s Journey to NFL Stardom
Lincoln’s journey to becoming a symbol of the Philadelphia Eagles is a remarkable tale of resilience and adaptation. Hatched at the American Eagle Foundation’s Eagle Mountain Sanctuary in 1998, he was released into the wild eight weeks later. However, Lincoln faced challenges in the wild, unable to successfully hunt and relying on scavenging for food. His diet ranged from discarded fried chicken at an Indiana boat dock to bacon snatched from a Michigan family’s backyard.
Unable to survive independently, Lincoln was recaptured and returned to the sanctuary. Under the care of the American Eagle Foundation, he regained his health and strength. Deemed non-releasable by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the sanctuary became his permanent home. But Lincoln’s story didn’t end there. He embarked on a new path, one that would lead him to the roaring crowds of Lincoln Financial Field.
Preparing for the Big League: Lincoln’s Rigorous Training
Lincoln’s transition from sanctuary resident to NFL mascot involved years of dedicated training. He honed his flying skills at local high school football games and practiced his soaring maneuvers at the University of Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium. This rigorous preparation ensured he was ready for the grand stage of professional football. For five years, Lincoln perfected his flight patterns and learned to navigate the energy of large crowds, preparing for his eventual debut with the Philadelphia Eagles.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(478×0:480×2)/Lincoln-the-Bald-Eagle-012925-7f1de717a4364ffd98e62a46307ba66a.jpg)
Game Day Rituals: Lincoln’s Travel and Care
Each Philadelphia Eagles home game involves a meticulous routine for Lincoln and his dedicated handlers. The 13-hour journey from the American Eagle Foundation in Kodak, Tennessee, to Philadelphia is undertaken in a custom van designed for comfort and safety. The van, large enough to accommodate 15 passengers, provides ample space for Lincoln’s custom 5×5 kennel, ensuring he can stretch his wings during regular breaks throughout the trip.
Jessica Hall, executive director of the American Eagle Foundation, emphasizes the care and attention given to Lincoln’s well-being during these travels, assuring fans that he is “far more comfortable than we are.” His handlers prioritize his comfort and ensure he arrives in Philadelphia ready to inspire the crowds with his awe-inspiring pre-game flight.
More Than a Mascot: Lincoln’s Role in Education and Conservation
Lincoln’s presence at Philadelphia Eagles games extends beyond entertainment. His flights serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of bald eagle conservation. Jessica Hall highlights the educational aspect of Lincoln’s role, stating that his appearances provide an opportunity to “educate the public on why this very beautiful, majestic animal needs protection still to this day.” Lincoln’s story resonates with fans, fostering a deeper appreciation for these magnificent birds and the ongoing efforts to protect them. He serves as a living symbol of American pride and the importance of preserving natural heritage.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/Philadelphia-Eagles-012925-b6de44e8426243329060e9b982d4ff50.jpg)
A Symbol of Hope: Lincoln’s Potential Super Bowl Appearance
With the Philadelphia Eagles heading to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, the possibility of Lincoln making an appearance on the biggest stage in football has generated excitement among fans. Jessica Hall expressed the American Eagle Foundation’s enthusiasm, stating, “If we get invited, we would definitely go.” The prospect of Lincoln soaring above the Caesars Superdome, symbolizing the team’s spirit and the nation’s resilience, would undoubtedly be a memorable moment for the Super Bowl and a fitting culmination of Lincoln’s inspiring journey. He represents not only the Philadelphia Eagles but also the broader message of conservation and the power of second chances.
