One of the best stories from this miserable 2020 Eagles season was the emergence of Alex Singleton. The 27-year-old was slated to be a backup or rotational linebacker for the season, but an injury early in the season to Nate Gerry led to Singleton getting an increased workload. Singleton took advantage of the opportunity and finished the season as the team's leading tackler with 120 combined tackles. He became the first Eagle with 100+ combined tackles since Nigel Bradham in 2016 and also became the first Eagle with 120+ combined tackles since DeMeco Ryans in 2013.
Singleton's tackles have some extra special meaning. He announced before the season that he was going to work with Pledge It to try to raise awareness and funds for The Special Olympics. As part of the Alex Singleton Tackling Inclusion campaign, Singleton himself would donate $98.55 for every tackle he made this season. He ended up raising $11,432 dollars with his tackles, surpassing the $10,000 goal he set for himself at the start of the season.
The reason why Singleton is so emotionally invested in The Special Olympics is because his sister Ashley is an active participant in the organization. The mission of the Special Olympics is to "provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community."
If you enjoyed watching Singleton tackle every moving organism in site this season, then consider making a donation to The Special Olympics as a thank you for his services. You can still donate to his pledge campaign here.
