NFL Draft Party

Tracie Smith

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Tracie Smith and her son Halen holding a football in the player tunnel at Lincoln Financial Field under the illuminated 'Fly Eagles Fly' sign. Halen is wearing noise-canceling headphones for sensory comfort.

Most of my network know me as a special education advocate who is passionate about inclusion and acceptance, as well as a mom of two children, the youngest holding a nonverbal and severe autism diagnosis.

But not everyone knows that I also love my footy - my first love started in my hometown of Sydney, Australia with the Manly Sea Eagles and then extended to include an American NFL team - the Philadelphia Eagles.

Thursday night, the Philadelphia Eagles held a Draft Party at their home stadium, Lincoln Financial Field. I wanted my autistic son, Halen, to enjoy this event and thought it was a good way to slowly introduce him to the stadium and some of the noise and sensory triggers that occur during a football game. So, Halen and I set off from NYC to spend the night in Philly.

Having visited Lincoln stadium a couple of times for Eagle’s games and having followed the Eagles Autism Foundation (“EAF”) for some time, I was already impressed with both organizations, but Thursday night during the Draft Party brought a whole new level of respect.

A lady working at the stadium came up to us to explain the location of the sensory room should we need it and was very kind to Halen. Even one of the Eagles’ cheerleaders offered to stand up from her table to take a photo with Halen who had decided to sit on the corner of the cheerleading table!! When Halen sat on down, I mentioned Halen had autism and, without delay, she asked if he would like a photo, grabbed her pom-poms and stood for a pic.. another class act right there!

Whilst we didn’t get to every event that evening, I was so proud of Halen for trying his very best despite all the noise and other sensory stimuli.

So, when people ask me why an Aussie who lives in NYC follows the Philadelphia Eagles, I always say, first and foremost, because of Mr. Jeffrey Lurie (the owner of the Philadelphia Eagles and Eagles Autism Foundation) his vision, his wonderful EAF and Eagles staff and his beloved football team! GO BIRDS!!!

With the implementation of the vision Mr. Lurie had and continues to have through his foundation, which also clearly extends to the entire staff at his stadium, I feel so blessed that my son and many individuals like him can feel comfortable, welcomed and included in supporting their sports together with their families… this is inclusion at its finest!!!

A BIG THANK YOU again to the top shelf staff from EAF/Eagles for your support on Thursday…. you guys are so much to so many…

This was my son’s first trip to Philly and overnight weekend with his mom on a 1:1 basis. We special needs parents and caregivers are often conscious of the 1:1 time the siblings of our special needs kiddos need with us but sometimes forget the joy and appreciation that our special kiddos get from their 1:1 experiences and adventures with us as well.

Hope you enjoy the pics from the Draft Party and our adventures in the City of Brotherly Love.

With love & appreciation

Tracie & Halen

Halen standing beside the illuminated Philadelphia Eagles sign at Lincoln Financial Field, holding a football while wearing noise-canceling headphones to manage sensory input during his stadium visit.
Halen with headphones and an Eagles cap poses with an Eagles cheerleader while holding a football, showing how inclusive environments create meaningful experiences for autistic youth.
Halen wearing headphones while standing next to a Brian Dawkins bobblehead figure at the Eagles facility, showcasing how sensory tools help create positive experiences for autistic fans.
Halen wearing an Eagles DeJean jersey and cap while exploring the team locker room at Lincoln Financial Field, showing how inclusive stadium tours provide meaningful experiences for autistic sports fans.
Halen standing in front of an Eagles history wall display while wearing headphones and an Eagles shirt, showing how sensory accommodations allow autistic individuals to engage with sports history and culture.
Halen standing beside the iconic Rocky statue in Philadelphia, wearing an Eagles shirt and exploring the city's cultural landmarks with the Philadelphia Museum of Art visible in the background.
Halen wearing noise-canceling headphones and an Eagles cap while on a sightseeing tour in historic Philadelphia, demonstrating how sensory accommodations enable enjoyable community experiences.