There’s no better way to celebrate football Sunday than catching up with some of South Jersey’s football stars. These athletes have been repping SJ for years, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down!
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Connor Barwin
This jack of all trades was our cover star in June 2015. Even in the year and half, not much has changed – which is so very Barwin-esque. He’s been a reliable powerhouse for the Eagles the past three years. However, Barwin’s foundation, Make The World Better, has made some moves recently. Joining up with other organizations, Barwin’s foundation helped renovate Ralph Brooks Park in South Philadelphia, including upgrades like new murals, a community garden and repaved basketball courts. But … no mini football field. Maybe an idea for next time?
Vinny Papale and Jon Daniel Runyan
We chatted with these two young men in January 2015. The two are the sons of former Eagles players Vince Papale and Jon Runyan – and they were pretty serious about graduating and getting out on the college field last time we spoke.
Last we heard, Runyan had committed to University of Michigan after graduating from St. Joseph’s Preparatory School. The six-foot, 304 pound player is now a sophomore and on the Michigan Wolves roster as a lineman. He was redshirted during his freshman year and seems to be working on his skills to eventually do some major work on the field in 2017 when more spots open as players graduate.
Vinny Papale was a wide receiver and defensive back during his senior year at Bishop Eustace Preparatory School. He chose to attend the University of Delaware and is now a Blue Hen. He saw action as a freshman playing wide receiver but was injured later in the season, sidelining him. He was named Blue Hen Touchdown Club Co-Most Improved Offensive Player for spring drills.
It looks like both young men are well on their way to making an impact on their college teams as they acquire more skills – we hope we’ll get to update you with their NFL success soon, too.
Thanks @SNICKERS and @mmschocolate for having me at NFL Experience. I had a great time hanging out with the fans! pic.twitter.com/J85jv8joDc
— Nick Foles (@NickFoles) January 30, 2015
Nick Foles
We caught up with the then-quarterback of the Eagles last in November of 2014. At the time, Foles was known for being a quiet guy – he was less flashy and more focused. Foles quickly rose the ranks from second-string quarterback to winning honors in the 2014 Pro Bowl. But 2014 was also his last game with the Eagles. In 2015, Foles was traded to the St. Louis Rams for Sam Bradford. That November, Foles was benched in favor of Case Keenum. In August of 2016, Foles signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, again as a quarterback, where he’s remained since.
Tom Flacco
Though we’ve all heard the name Joe Flacco before, SJ was one of the first to bring up the other Flacco – Tom. The little brother of the Baltimore Ravens quarterback sat down with us in November 2013, after the Ravens clinched the Super Bowl title. At the time, Tom was the starting quarterback at Eastern High School in Voorhees. After graduating in 2014, Tom chose to attend Western Michigan University. Now a quarterback for the Broncos, he’s had a successful season as a freshman, playing seven games and rushing 266 yards. We’ll be keeping an eye on the Audubon native for what’s to come.
