Eagles Rookie QB Sparks Firestorm After Refusing to Sign LGBT-Themed Football at Camp

Philadelphia, PA – What was supposed to be a routine day at Eagles training camp quickly turned into one of the most polarizing storylines in Philadelphia sports this week. A simple autograph request sparked a heated debate that stretched far beyond the field.

During a fan interaction session, one supporter handed over a rainbow-colored football, a symbol of the LGBT community, for a signature. Instead of casually signing, the Eagles rookie quarterback declined — a decision that instantly split opinion across the city.

Some fans praised the move, framing it as a stand to keep football free from outside agendas. Others criticized it as divisive and disappointing, accusing the young passer of alienating a portion of the fan base before ever stepping onto the field.

That rookie was Kyle McCord, Philadelphia’s sixth-round pick out of Syracuse and a native of the city. McCord arrived in camp with strong credentials, throwing for 4,779 yards and 34 touchdowns last season while earning Second-team All-ACC honors.

Addressing the incident, McCord explained: “Fans come to the stadium to live and breathe football, to cheer for their team — not to be forced into accepting messages that don’t belong here. Football must remain pure for the fans.”

Inside the organization, McCord is battling for the QB3 role behind Jalen Hurts and Tanner McKee. Coaches are intrigued by his arm strength but continue to emphasize accuracy as a developmental priority under quarterback coach Alex Tanney.

The timing of the controversy is notable, coming as the Eagles shape both their depth chart and locker room identity ahead of a high-expectation season. McCord’s stance, intentional or not, has made him a lightning rod in camp.

Whether this moment fades into obscurity or becomes a defining storyline of McCord’s career remains to be seen. For now, he stands as one of the most talked-about rookies in Philadelphia’s football culture.