Connor Barwin may not have made an appearance on The Philly Specials Christmas albums, but his presence is undeniably felt from behind the scenes, where he plays a pivotal role in bringing it all together. His involvement goes beyond just the music; it’s about the heart and soul of a project that’s become something much larger than anyone initially expected.
How It All Began: The Spark Behind The Philly Specials
The origins of the Eagles’ Christmas albums trace back to the offseason of 2022, before the Eagles’ incredible Super Bowl run that would capture the hearts of Philadelphia fans. It all started in a very unexpected place—the NovaCare Complex, where the team was deep into training. During a regular workout, Jason Kelce threw out the idea of doing a Christmas album. It wasn’t just a passing thought; it quickly turned into a discussion among some key figures: Barwin, the recently retired former Eagles center, along with teammates Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, and Charlie Hall, the drummer for the Grammy-winning band The War on Drugs. The group gathered at Barwin’s backyard to take this idea to the next level.
“I remember Jordan had his guitar, and he started strumming and singing,” Barwin recalled. “We sat there like, ‘Let's take this serious. If we're going to do it, we’re going to make great music. Number one, we take it seriously. Number two, let’s have fun, and number three, let’s do something positive with it.’”
And that’s exactly what they did. What started as a fun idea blossomed into an annual holiday tradition, one that has touched the lives of countless people in the Philadelphia area—and beyond.
A Huge Success: The Philly Specials Make Their Mark
From the very first release, The Philly Specials became more than just a holiday album. It became a movement, a way for Eagles players and fans to connect with the community in a meaningful way. Last year’s album, A Philly Special Christmas Special, was a tremendous success, raising over $3 million for more than 60 organizations throughout Philadelphia.
But this year, the stakes are even higher, and the energy is even more electric. The album, A Philly Special Christmas Party, boasts an impressive lineup, including legends like Stevie Nicks, Boyz II Men, and Mt. Joy. It’s even got a heartwarming track featuring Jason Kelce’s wife, Kylie. Talk about star power!
All proceeds from this year’s album will benefit various Philadelphia-based organizations, including the Children’s Crisis Treatment Center and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Barwin, alongside Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson, and Mailata, has made it clear that they want to take things to a whole new level this time around. And they’ve done just that.
“We’re going to give a gift to every kid in the Philadelphia public school system,” Barwin shared. “We want to make every kid feel special, and give them something small for the holidays.” This isn’t just about raising funds; it’s about making a difference in the lives of Philadelphia’s youngest residents.
Jalen Carter: The Rising Star
While Barwin has retired from playing, he’s still very much invested in the Eagles’ success. As head of football development and strategy for the team, Barwin’s focus is on the future of the franchise, and he’s been keeping a close eye on Jalen Carter, the talented defensive lineman who’s been making waves in his second season.
Barwin, who played alongside some of the NFL’s greatest defensive linemen—Fletcher Cox, Aaron Donald, and J.J. Watt—has seen his fair share of exceptional talent. But when it comes to Carter, he sees something special.
“Jalen is right there on the path to be right there with them,” Barwin said with a confident nod. Carter has quickly become an essential part of Philadelphia's No. 1 ranked defense, and his impact has been undeniable. Through Week 13, the Eagles’ defense ranks third in the league against the pass and seventh against the run.
Carter’s standout performance against the Baltimore Ravens was a perfect example of what makes him such a force. He racked up a sack, three tackles for a loss, two quarterback hits, and an impressive eight pressures in the Eagles’ 24-19 victory.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio echoed Barwin’s sentiment, praising Carter’s growth and coachability. “Jalen is still a young player that needs to improve,” Fangio said, adding, “He's been very coachable. [He's] playing good football.” So far, Carter has accumulated 34 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, and one forced fumble, solidifying his place as one of the most exciting young talents in the league.
Barwin’s Annual Charity Dinner with Chris Long
Beyond his involvement with The Philly Specials, Barwin is committed to giving back to the community in other meaningful ways. One of the standout events on his calendar is the annual “Team Dinner,” which he co-hosts with former Eagles Super Bowl champion Chris Long. The event, which takes place at Steak 48 in Center City on December 9, benefits the Make The World Better Foundation and the Chris Long Foundation.
Now in its second year, the dinner has quickly become a highly anticipated occasion for fans, former players, and community leaders to come together for a great cause. The event will be emceed by CBS News Philadelphia’s Pat Gallen, who will bring his usual energy to the red carpet.
For Barwin, the event is about more than just raising money—it’s about creating lasting connections. “It’s just about, for me, getting together with former teammates, doing something with Chris, and for our young players to see what this kind of connection can look like,” he said. “It’s a chance to show them how important it is to connect with the community and give back. It’s not just about football; it’s about making a difference.”
The Team Dinner is a chance for Barwin and Long to connect with fans and bring attention to the importance of community involvement, and this year’s event promises to be even bigger and more impactful than last year.
Looking Ahead: The Philly Special Legacy
The success of The Philly Specials and the growing impact of Barwin’s charity efforts show just how much of a difference one person, or one group of people, can make. From the spark of an idea during a training session at the NovaCare Complex to the creation of an album that has raised millions, Barwin and his teammates have proven that sports can be a powerful force for good in the community.
Whether it’s through the music of The Philly Specials, the impact of their charitable efforts, or the legacy of mentorship and community service, the Eagles are creating a new kind of legacy—one that goes beyond the football field and into the hearts of the people they serve.
So, as we gear up for another holiday season, there’s no better way to celebrate than by supporting The Philly Specials. Not only will you be enjoying some incredible music, but you’ll also be helping to make a difference in the lives of countless individuals and families across the Philadelphia area. It’s more than just a Christmas album—it’s a reminder of the power of giving back.
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