Eagles At South Jersey Mall: Brandon Graham Among Birds Attending Football Fest

DEPTFORD, NJ — Members of the Eagles will flock to a South Jersey mall before the NFL season gets underway. Brandon Graham and Reed Blankenship plan to attend Deptford Mall's Family Football Fest.

The celebration takes place from 1-5 p.m. Sept. 2 at the mall parking lot, near Almonesson Road. Graham and Blankenship will appear from 2-4 p.m., when shake hands, take photos and chat with them.

After suffering a torn Achilles in 2021, Graham returned as an anchor of the Eagles' defense last year, recording 11 sacks and finishing fourth in the voting for NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

Graham is the longest-tenured Eagle, having played 178 regular-season games since the Birds drafted him 13th overall in 2010. This year, he could break David Akers' franchise record of 188 regular-season games and tie Chuck Bednarik's record for most years as an Eagle.

The defensive end also made one of the biggest plays in Philly sports history — a strip sack against Tom Brady in the closing minutes of Super Bowl LII against the Patriots. Coincidentally, the Eagles open the season Sept. 10 at New England.

Blankenship, meanwhile, signed with the Eagles last year as an undrafted free agent. The safety played 10 games, starting four, and intercepted then-Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers as a rookie.

Family Football Fest will also feature live entertainment, a beer garden from Bonesaw Brewing Co., food and local vendors. Free children's activities will include face-painting, balloon sculpting, character appearances, strolling magicians, bounce houses, live animals, a photo booth, games, prizes and giveaways.

Deptford Mall also partnered with Booksmiles, asking community members to donate new or gently used books at Football Fest. Those who donate will receive a free Philadelphia Eagles 2023 Magnet Football Schedule.

View the event page.