Philadelphia Eagles: Family throws surprise birthday party at tailgate for Vietnam veteran

Philadelphia (WPVI) — Eagles fans got up bright and early Sunday morning to tailgate before the game, with some fans celebrating a lot more than the best team in football.

“The first time I cried was the ’80 Super Bowl when the Raiders beat us,” said Dan McClay, who has been an Eagles fan since he was six years old.

The game had become one of his all-time favorites before the team even took the field. A Vietnam veteran’s entire family surprised him on his 70th birthday.

“I went to help the bus driver get his truck off the highway and they were all aboard. I got in there and they were all there,” he said.

In a sea of ​​thousands of Eagles fans, Dan wasn’t the only one celebrating his big day with a tailgate.

“I’m turning 30 today, so it’s a good day. All my friends and family are having a great time here,” said Rob D’Adria from Northeast Philadelphia. He boarded a bus to the stadium with 75 of his closest friends and family, bringing lots of games and lots of good food.

“We’ve had jerk chicken, we’ve had pulled pork, baked mac and cheese here,” he said, showing off their spread, which is, of course, the centerpiece of any good Eagles tailgate.

“We got breakfast sandwiches, bacon egg and cheese, pork roll egg and cheese. We got tater tots and mimosas,” said Courtney Bartkowski from Ewing, New Jersey.

He and his friends started the day right. Eagles fans from far and wide wanted to show Tennessee why Philadelphia is the best football city.

“It’s a city like no other. Everyone has a great time when they come to Philly,” said Shelley Holt from Lawrenceville, New Jersey.

It helps Eagles fans cheer on the number one team in football. It’s the gift that keeps on giving for lifelong fans like Dan.

“I think this is the best team I’ve seen in a long, long time,” he said.

Dan’s actual birthday isn’t until January. Now that he’s had his party he’s looking forward to another present; Eagles trip to the Super Bowl.