Eagles Rookie Sparks Controversy at Training Camp After Refusing to Sign LGBT-Themed Football

Philadelphia, PA – Tensions rose at Eagles training camp this week after a surprising off-field moment captured fans’ attention. During an otherwise routine autograph session, one rookie quarterback’s decision stirred heated debate across Philadelphia sports circles.

It happened when a fan presented a rainbow-colored football — a symbol meant to show support for the LGBT community. While many athletes might have casually signed, this young Eagle made a very different choice.

The refusal did not go unnoticed. Some applauded the act as a stance for keeping football free from outside causes, while others criticized it as divisive. Either way, the rookie instantly became a polarizing figure.

Observers were quick to note that the controversy comes at a time when the Eagles are shaping not just their roster, but also the identity of their locker room heading into a high-expectation season.

That rookie was Kyle McCord, the sixth-round pick out of Syracuse. A Philadelphia native, McCord arrives with strong credentials after throwing for 4,779 yards and 34 touchdowns last season, earning Second-team All-ACC honors.

"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," McCord said after the incident. "Football must remain pure for the fans."

Inside the organization, McCord is currently competing for the QB3 role behind Jalen Hurts and Tanner McKee. While his arm strength excites coaches, accuracy concerns remain a developmental focus under quarterback coach Alex Tanney.

Whether this moment fades as a footnote or becomes a defining piece of McCord’s early career is yet to be seen. For now, he stands as a lightning rod in Philadelphia’s passionate football culture.