'Twas the night before Training Camp, when all through the Lehigh Valley

Not a player had arrived yet, not even Dennis Kelly.

The fields were ready and equipped with care,

In hopes the Philadelphia Eagles soon would be there.



The rookies and selected veterans were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of touchdown celebrations danced in their heads.

And Bo Wulf in his cap, and me with my bald head

Had just settled our brains for some very intense weeks ahead.

When out on the fields there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my Lehigh dorm room to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like DeSean Jackson

Tore open the shutters and saw the exciting action.



The sun shining down on the fields where they'd play, I'd reason

Gave the luster of hope to a shining new season.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a bus full of big football players our rivals should fear.

With a jolly mustached driver, "Time's Yours!", he said

I knew in a moment it must be Big Red

More rapid than DRC his players they came

And he coughed, and mumbled, and called them by name!



"Now Maclin! now, Vick! now, Nnamdi and DeSean!

On, Babin! On, Cole, on, Kafka and LeSean!"

To the fields! To the 50 yard line!

Now dash away! Dash away! Before I miss the buffet line!"

As Jackson and DRC sprint at the speed of light,

all the players took off to the fields with all their might.

So the players arrived in time for the fans to see,

With pads and helmets equipped, because practice is key.



Big Red soon joined them, dressed in black from head to toe

XXXXL shirt and pants, so his big belly wouldn't show.

His mustache was a like a broom, as he squinted through his glasses

"Come on!" he said, correcting his players "Or do we need to go back to classes?"



The weeks came and passed, all the players continued to practice

The days became so hot, I thought I saw a cactus.

Between Washburn's yelling, and Howard Mudd's old age

I couldn't keep my excitement bottled up in this cage!

"Go Eagles!" I shouted! And Big Red took a look

He looked at me with a big smile and my hand he shook

He gave me a wink of an eye but didn't say a word,

He simply pointed to his shirt logo, the sign of a bird.

He sprang to the bus, to his team gave a whistle,

and away they all flew, like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, as I wondered the reason

"Happy Training Camp to all, and to all a happy beginning of the Eagles season!"