Between Saquon Barkley's historic debut season in the backfield and Jahan Dotson's postseason impact at wide receiver, the Lehigh Valley played an integral role in helping the Philadelphia Eagles win their second Super Bowl championship during the 2024-25 NFL season.
DeVonta Smith and many inside the Eagles organization gave back to the Lehigh Valley on Saturday at the fourth annual DeVonta Smith and Friends Celebrity Softball Game at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown.
Legends such as wide receiver Terrell Owens and former Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard joined a core of Eagles standouts led by Barkley, Smith, Dotson, Jalen Carter and Cooper DeJean at an event that packed the stands in Allentown and felt like an extension of the Super Bowl parade that took over Broad Street several months ago.
"It's been awesome just being out here with these guys and with the fans too just having fun," DeJean said. "I feel like a kid again. It's pretty cool."
Fans had opportunities to sit and converse with players, as others filled the seats across the stadium and camped out on the centerfield lawn, taking in the atmosphere and getting a peek at their hometown stars.
"The fans are showing up and supporting. That's the biggest thing," said Smith, who walked-off his own event with a two-run home run, giving his "home team" a 16-14 victory. "The more they come support, the better it is."
Some of those in the stands scored autographs from a star-studded lineup of current and former professional athletes and even Philadelphia Little League World Series star Mo'ne Davis.
More than a decade since her breakout performance in Williamsport, Davis continues to make her work look easy, now as a broadcaster on ESPN and the MLB Network.
"It's been good. It's actually been pretty easy. There's a lot of people who are willing to help me out and offering a helping hand," Davis said. "A lot of people want to see my insight being on the field compared to being in the booth. The transition's been pretty cool."
Former Parkland football standout Kenny Yeboah is also in a transition period after spending the first four years of his NFL career with the New York Jets. Yeboah caught his first career touchdown from Aaron Rodgers last season against the Colts and is embracing another big personality in Detroit with head coach Dan Campbell.
"They [the Detroit Lions] win, and being there the last couple of months, I see why. From the top down, they all are on the same page," Yeboah said. "Everyone just cares about winning and do everything they can on that field to win. They play for each other. I'm really looking forward to play for Coach [Dan] Campbell; he played tight end, so that's really cool. It's a special, special place to be, so I'm excited about it."
The four-time District 11 champion with the Trojans returned to the area with a message for two other former District 11 phenoms who are playing in the NFL.
"It's just special because this is where I grew up and played at, so just to be around all the local talent and NFL players … it's amazing," Yeboah said. "It's a really cool thing that DeVonta puts together every year, so it's exciting. I'm always happy to be a part of it.
"I spoke with [Saquon Barkley and Jahan Dotson] today and I just told them I'm proud of them," Yeboah continued. "It's really cool to see that I was playing against them in high school not too long ago and now we're all in the NFL and they're winning Super Bowls and stuff, so it's surreal to see to be honest. I'm proud of them and love seeing them doing their thing."
While the three hometown heroes have become staples at Smith's event the last few years, fans embraced new faces like DeJean, a hero of Super Bowl LIX, and Eagles first-round draft selection Jihaad Campbell.
The Alabama product already feels like a big part of the team despite not playing a snap for the reigning world champions yet, and is looking forward to showing what he can do with his new team.
"They're welcoming me with open arms," Campbell said. "I'm just being a sponge and being somebody who can come in and have a will to learn and be transparent with. It's just taking it day by day and bettering myself every day. It's one day at a time just like a regular human being who works a regular job and wants to keep a happy mood. It's all about one day at a time and staying where your feet are and we're going to do that as a whole unit."
No one stole the show quite like DeJean, however, who belted 14 home runs in 90 seconds to win the home run derby, smashed a handful more during the game and made multiple home run robberies in center field as well.
The fan favorite, who was serenaded with loud cheers of "Coop" throughout the day, was a standout baseball player in high school, but even after a dominant day on the diamond, DeJean is content sticking with the organization perfectly showcasing his immense talent on the gridiron.
"That'd be fun," DeJean said about considering a two-sport career. "But I'm having fun playing with the Eagles right now."
Derek Bast is a freelance sports reporter who can be found on Twitter/X at @derek_bast or reached by email at derekbast11@gmail.com.
Originally Published: June 29, 2025 at 2:27 PM EDT
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