Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith traded his cleats for an apron Tuesday morning, stepping behind the counter at a McDonald's in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, to hand out free hotcakes and hot coffee to fans. Eagles faithful lined up around the block for the chance at breakfast and a brush with the star receiver.
According to 6abc Philadelphia, Smith was behind the counter giving out free hotcakes and hot coffee as fans sought him out specifically for the Tuesday morning meal. The outlet reported that lucky fans also got the chance to take a picture with the star wide receiver, turning a routine breakfast run into a memorable encounter for those who showed up early enough.
The event was scheduled to run from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the McDonald's located at 2428 Kaighns Avenue, per the Courier-Post. Smith himself was slated to arrive at 9 a.m., though the paper noted that attendees were encouraged to show up well before then to secure a spot in line.
Music, a Drumline and Eagles Flair
The breakfast giveaway wasn't just about the food. The station's report noted the morning also featured a DJ, a drumline and other special guests, giving the fast-food parking lot the feel of a pregame tailgate rather than a typical Tuesday commute stop.
Smith's appearance ties into a broader partnership he has built with McDonald's franchise owners in the area. The same report states that Smith has partnered with local McDonald's owners in the area in support of its charitable efforts in the community, a relationship that has previously extended beyond breakfast giveaways.
A Longtime McDonald's Habit
Smith's ties to McDonald's breakfast run deeper than Tuesday's event. He has said in the past that McDonald's is part of his pregame ritual, telling PhillyVoice, “If it's a home game, for breakfast, I'm going to McDonald's.” His go-to order, he said, is “a McGriddle, two hash browns and an orange juice.”
Estimates of that meal's nutritional breakdown have varied. PhillyVoice reported the pregame order adds up to about 930 calories, while Business Insider separately put the total closer to 810 calories, along with 30 grams of fat, 46 grams of sugar, 122 grams of carbohydrates and 20 grams of protein.
Tuesday's giveaway also isn't Smith's first turn at community outreach in South Jersey. Business Insider has reported that Smith previously surprised youth athletes in New Jersey with $150 gift cards to Dick's Sporting Goods, part of a pattern of local goodwill gestures that predates this week's hotcake handout.
