Maclin Helps Kids With Mother’s Day Surprise

Five single mothers arrived at Lincoln Financial Field Thursday afternoon thinking their sons had been selected to participate in a community service project with Jeremy Maclin.

But instead, they were surprised with gift baskets, words of thanks and pledges from their children.

The “Mother’s Day Miracles” event was put together by Maclin’s foundation. The Eagles’ wide receiver chose five boys who were 12 years or older to participate.

“Each one of these kids is striving to do the right things, to do better in school… a few of them want to play college football,” Maclin said. “I’m trying to be that mentor, that light of hope and let them understand that anything is possible.”

In addition to showering their moms with flowers, gift cards and collages, each boy stood in front of the group and explained why his mom was such a special person. They also pledged to do the right things in the classroom and in the community.

“Everything I get rewarded for on the field is great, but the fact that I have the ability to be able to affect somebody like that in a positive way, I think that’s when you reach your actual potential as a person,” Maclin said.

Growing up, Maclin’s Mom battled alcohol issues, and he was taken in by another family (story here). Now, on Mother’s Day, he has two women to thank.

“Both have played big parts in my life,” Maclin said. “I don’t know where I would be without either one of them.”

Below is video of the “Mother’s Day Miracles” event, courtesy of Comcast SportsNet.

 

Follow Sheil Kapadia on Twitter and e-mail him at skapadia@phillymag.com.
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