Philadelphia Eagles Contribute Millions For Autism Research

The Philadelphia Eagles are stepping into 2026 with a winning touchdown for autism research! 

As confirmed in an official press release, the LIX Super Bowl Champions’ Eagles Autism Foundation has helped to raise $10.8 million to further autism research and community projects with pilot grants (13), translational grants (three) and post-doctoral fellowships (four). Funding will go towards a multitude of esteemed institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Boston Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Stanford University, and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. 

The community projects, schools and enterprises set to receive proceeds also includes KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools, KultureCity Super Bowl LIX, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Philadelphia Zoo, Special Equestrians and Huddle Up for Autism, among many others.  

Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie spoke on this landmark endowment, stating, “It is rewarding to know that our financial investment this year will support the next generation of scientific researchers and leaders who are all working hard to accelerate treatment for the autism community. While we are proud to celebrate another record-setting year for the Eagles Autism Foundation, it comes at an unfortunate time where too many institutions are having their funding cut. Now more than ever, we need to invest in science and prioritize those who need our help.” 

Lurie added, “We are beyond grateful for Dr. DiCicco-Bloom and his esteemed panel of colleagues for putting in the time, once again, to evaluate these projects and drive meaningful progress in autism research.” Dr. Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom, who is the lead scientific advisor from Rutgers Health Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, co-evaluated the research proposals for research grant funding.  

News of the Eagles Autism Foundation’s groundbreaking contributions comes several months ahead of the 9th annual Eagles Autism Challenge, scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026. The Eagles Autism Foundation has helped lead the charge for the advancement of autism research and care via fundraising since 2018.