The Philadelphia Eagles' title defense came to an end Sunday night in New Orleans when wide receiver Alshon Jeffery — usually a sure-handed pass-catcher — dropped a key fourth quarter toss from Nick Foles.
The ball ricocheted into the hands of Saints' cornerback Marshon Lattimore. and Jeffery buried his helmet into the turf.
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Seeing Jeffery's pained expression, hearing his post-game comments and reading all the supportive messages from Eagles fans reinforced how important Jeffery has been to Philadelphia's success over the past two seasons. You win as a team and lose as team, no matter how crucial any given play might be.
On Tuesday morning, Jeffery may have received the sweetest pick-me-up he's gotten yet.
Abigail Johnson, a second-grader from West Chester, wrote Jeffery a letter reminding him of his value to the Eagles. The letter was posted on Twitter and tagged to Jeffery by Abigail's father, Raymond Johnson, a West Chester pastor.
Here's the full, just as Abigail wrote it:
Dear Alshon Jeffrey,
I am a huge Eagles fan. When I watched the play last night I was crying. It's okay to loose a game you don't always have to win a game. We couldn't have won the superbowl without you last year. I think you are a awsome player no matter what. It takes lots of practice and curage to catch a ball. I think you are a good athlete. It takes a lot of practice to become a good athlete. I love you! My whole family was rooting for you! Don't give up on playing football. Keep practicing. Don't get mad esaly. I know you can do it. We all know you are a good player.
Love,
Abigail
You hear that, Alshon? For Abigail's sake, put this one behind you. She loves you.