Last April, Dan Orvlosky and his son, Madden, went viral when Orvlosky broke down crying as Madden sang “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” on ESPN’s NFL Live.
Madden, 14, returned to NFL Live on Thursday for World Autism Awareness Day. Just like last year, the NFL Live studio was covered in Madden’s incredibly creative drawings. But this year, Madden sang the Philadelphia Eagles’ “Fly Eagles Fly” fight song.
Orlovsky cried again. Who could blame him? Madden asked, “Are you crying?” Orlovsky said, “Yeah, because I love you.”
Madden rocked a Kelly Green Eagles hoodie and shared a drawing of himself as an Eagles player wearing No. 3 because he’s a triplet. Then, Maddie was surprised by Eagles star wide receiver DeVonta Smith.
“‘Sup, Madden?” Smith said in a video message played on NFL Live. “I heard you’re a big fan of mine. I’m also a big fan of you and your artwork. On behalf of the Eagles, I’m sending you a swag bag so you can proudly rep us. Go Birds.”
A producer brought out the swag bag to Madden, which included a Swoop stuffy, an Eagles hat, a shirt, and a hoodie. A written note to Madden was also tucked into the basket.
Madden read it aloud:
“Madden,
Happy Autism Acceptance Month. It was so great to have you at our All Abilities Clinic. We are so excited to celebrate you, not only this month, but 365 days a year. Please enjoy this box of swag to rock and wear proudly as a member of our community.
Best,
Eagles Autism Foundation”
Smith wore Eagles Autism Foundation cleats for the NFL’s 10th annual “My Cause My Cleats” campaign last November.
On Tuesday, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie announced that the Eagles Autism Foundation received an anonymous $15 million check, and he plans to announce the first Lurie Autism Institute founding director this month. “I think Philadelphia will be the epicenter for autism research in the world,” Lurie said, per The Athletic’s Brooks Kubena.
Watch Madden’s Eagles segment below.
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