Fans flock to Forman Mills
Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor signs autographs at Port Richmond location
By Melissa Komar
The scene lent itself to a Sunday night game at the Linc, with fans in a fever pitch chanting “E-A-G-L-E-S, Eagles!” and “Fly, Eagles, Fly!”
But, it was Friday night at Forman Mills in Port Richmond and, although there was no game on the line, there was an Eagle in the house.
Wide receiver Nelson Agholor signed autographs on all types of Eagles memorabilia from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Fans had the opportunity to make a $10 purchase starting at 3 p.m. to guarantee their entrance to the meet and greet.
At 7 p.m., the line of Eagles admirers stretched from the back corner of the store, where Agholor was seated, to around the building onto Aramingo Avenue outside.
Fans of all ages came from the neighborhood and beyond for a chance to meet one of the Super Bowl bound Birds.
Despite Forman Mills hosting a meet and greet featuring Jalen Mills in Northeast Philadelphia on the same night, Bill, Kelly and Billy White traveled from their home in Morrell Park to Port Richmond.
“We’re from the Northeast, but [Agholor] is his favorite player, so here we are,” said Kelly White in regard to her son.
“He’s my favorite player because he’s good and they give him the ball a lot,” Billy added.
Billy and his dad, Bill, are “looking forward to the win” at the Super Bowl.
Nuri Edwards, 2 months, may have been the youngest Eagles fan.
Mom Nadirah Edwards said “it was a surprise” and that the family had just come to Forman Mills to go shopping.
Nuri took it all in stride, blowing bubbles and gurgling when the moment came to meet Agholor.
Lex Medina Jr., 7 months, was another young fan and hammed it up for the cameras when he got to sit with the player.
Doug Hemple, another Northeast Philly resident, came carrying some priceless merchandise: an official Eagles helmet with 19 Eagles signatures.
“I wanted to get number 20 and Agholor was it,” Hemple said. “I’m a big fan and it’ll look great down in the man cave.”
Hemple has gone to open practices, the Outlets in Lancaster and other malls to collect the signatures.
The signatures span many seasons, ranging from Agholor, to Harold Carmichael, to Bill Bergey, to Vince Papale.
Brother and sister duo Tommy McNeill, 28, and Christina McNeill, 29, traveled from Bucks County, with Tommy using a wheelchair, just to show their support of their favorite team.
“We love to support our Birds,” Christina McNeill said.
“Good work, Agholor,” said Tommy, shaking his hand. “Thanks for coming out tonight.”
Agholor was just as thankful for the show of support.
“No, thank you, buddy,” he said.
