2nd-grader pens letter to Eagles’ Jeffery
WEST CHESTER >> A Sarah Starkweather Elementary School secondgrader consoled her favorite Eagles player after a tough playoff loss.
Abigail Johnson watched as receiver Alshon Jeffery buried his head in his hands after a fourth quarter Nick Foles pass slipped through his fingers and was intercepted by the New Orleans Saints.
“It’s okay to lose a game,” Abigail wrote Jeffrey. “You don’t always have to win a game.”
Jeffery took the blame but Abigail’s father Raymond Johnson stressed to his daughter that football is team game. He also was proud of her for sticking to her values when he and his wife and he were not present.
“We win and lose together — not one individual on the team,” Raymond Johnson said he told Abigail.
“It takes a lot of effort and courage to win a game and be a team together,” Abigail said.
With a letter full of red and green colored hearts, Abigail let Jeffery know that she still loves him. She also said that she enjoys playing football with her father.
The lead pastor from The Journey Church, on South Church Street, hopes his daughter becomes a successful citizen and student.
On to the next game. Abigail is also a Sixers fan.
What follows is the slightly edited text of the letter sent to Jeffery by Abigail: “I am a huge Eagles fan. When I watched the play last night I was crying. It’s okay to lose a game. You don’t always have to win a game. We couldn’t have won the Super Bowl without you last year.
“I think you are an awesome player, no matter what. It takes lots of practice and courage to catch a ball. 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. I know you can do it. We all know you are a good player. Love, Abigail”
Here is the letter she sent to Alshon Jeffrey:
Dear Alshon Jeffery:
I am a huge Eagles fan. When I watched the play last night, I was crying. It’s okay to lose a game. You don’t always have to win a game. We couldn’t have won the Super Bowl without you last year. I think you are an awesome player no matter what. It takes lots of practice and courage to catch a ball. I think you are a good athlete. It takes a bit 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. I know you can do it. We all know you are a good player. Love Abigail