PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Ryan Quigley joyfully belted out a memorable line from a classic rock song — “I wanna fly like an Eagle,” which he underscored with a hearty laugh — after receiving an unforgettable gift from the Philadelphia Eagles.
The team honored Quigley by presenting him with a framed photo of Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts gripping the Lombardi Trophy, along with a mounted Super Bowl ring, elegantly featuring Eagles wings on each side.
Quigley was pleasantly surprised by this amazing gesture on Sunday, especially following an earlier treat from the franchise — just outside the locker rooms at Lincoln Financial Field.
Wearing a half Eagles-half Raiders No. 18 jersey, Quigley showcased support for rookie Las Vegas wide receiver Jack Bech — whose brother, Tiger, was Quigley’s close friend and lost his life during a tragic attack in the French Quarter on New Year’s Day. Additionally, Quigley’s jersey bore a No. 7 patch commemorating Tiger, who had played football at Princeton.
“I told Jack and the Bech family I was rooting for the Eagles, even though I wanted Jack to excel,” Quigley shared. “I wanted Jack to score a million touchdowns, while the Eagles snagged a million-one, that’s how I framed it.”
Quigley chuckled, “Unfortunately, the Raiders didn’t find the end zone at all.”
Jack Bech managed two receptions for 17 yards amidst another challenging outing for the Raiders, who fell to the Eagles. Now residing in New York and working at an investment bank, Quigley brought together around 500 friends and family for a pregame tailgate in the Linc parking lot, emotionally moved to see Bech play in Philadelphia.
“That was Tiger’s dream realized,” Quigley noted. “A dream come true, especially to see him play at the Linc. It definitely marked a tough and emotional day.”
Quigley, a Princeton football alumnus, had spent New Year’s in New Orleans with Bech, celebrating until a driver caused a horrific accident that claimed Bech’s life and altered Quigley’s. Standing at 27, the suburban Philadelphia native recalls only pieces of the chaos surrounding him that night.
He endured multiple injuries from the incident: torn ACL, torn meniscus, broken nose, forehead gash, and facial lacerations. He even required a root canal. Rashes, bruises, and a hip flexor added to the toll. Quigley spoke with The Associated Press days before another doctor’s appointment and his fourth right knee surgery next month, still dedicating hours weekly to rehabilitation.
“I’m doing everything I can to get back to 100% as soon as possible,” Quigley explained. “I feel alright. I’m walking significantly better than before. Not quite there yet, but fingers crossed that surgery will make a difference. It’s tough every day not to be able to navigate my routine as I wish.”
Just five weeks after the devastating attack, the thought of returning to New Orleans would have seemed absurd, had it not been for the Eagles’ extraordinary Super Bowl journey.
When the Eagles learned about his story, players recorded heartfelt messages for Quigley during his recovery and invited him to a playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams. Shortly after, Quigley, along with Bech’s sister Ginnie and another friend, toured the Eagles’ headquarters.
The franchise surprised Quigley with two Super Bowl tickets. Attending the Eagles’ triumphant rout over Kansas City, Quigley later participated in the Super Bowl parade, even standing beside Saquon Barkley during the running back’s celebratory speech.
“In the short time I’ve been here, I’ve seen that you guys are tough, resilient, and know how to go to battle,” Barkley remarked. “No one embodies that more than my boy Ryan.”
Quigley continues to stay connected with the Eagles and relies on their support as the one-year anniversary of the attack approaches. Grateful for the gift of life, he strives to rebuild himself both mentally and physically after that fateful night.
“I’m figuring out how to move forward with life,” he stated.
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