Super Bowl Champ Keeps Promise to Visit Boy Injured in Philly Plane Crash

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown kept his promise and visited the 10-year-old boy who required emergency surgery following the plane crash in Philadelphia.

LaShawn Hamiel posted photos of Brown with her son Andre Howard III on Facebook on Wednesday.

The Context

A Learjet 55 crashed in northeast Philadelphia around 6:30 p.m. ET on January 31. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the jet was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri before heading to Mexico. All six people on the medical flight were killed, as well as one person who was in their car at the time of the crash.

The Philadelphia Eagles won against the Kansas City Chiefs in a 40-22 victory at the Super Bowl LIX.

What To Know

Andre was in a car with his father and siblings when the plane crashed near the Roosevelt Mall in Philadelphia. He was struck in the head by metal as he shielded his 4-year-old sister from the debris.

Local news station 6 ABC reported that a bystander on the street took off his shirt and applied pressure to Andre's head. Philadelphia Police took Andre to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, where he underwent surgery. Doctors initially told Andre's family that the boy would never walk again

The 10-year-old was transported to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and reportedly made "strides overnight."

After waking up from surgery, Andre had asked if his sister was OK and if he missed the Super Bowl.

Andre's father, Andre Howard Jr., told outlets that his son first asked, "Daddy, did I save my sister?"

After confirming that his sister was fine, he asked what day it was. When Howard responded Monday, the 10-year-old asked, "We didn't play yesterday, did we?"

Howard said, "No, you didn't miss the Super Bowl."

Brown had posted on X, formerly Twitter, wishing Andre a "speedy recovery," saying he would play for Andre on Sunday and would "come see you when I get back. Hopefully with some hardware."

Brown visited as a surprise, according to Hamiel's Facebook post. Andre, whose mom said "usually talks so much," was "smiling from ear to ear and mute."

Brown, who brought with him the Lombardi Trophy and merchandise, called Eagles running back Saquon Barkley as well.

"Thank you for everything and bringing that WIN home for 'TRE' the world's greatest SUPERHERO," Hamiel posted.

Hamiel has created a GoFundMe page to help with the child's medical care expenses that he has a "long and difficult road to recovery" that will include "surgeries, therapy, and ongoing treatment."

At the time of writing, the family has raised over $193,200 from more than 5,000 donations.

What People Are Saying

LaShawn Hamiel on Facebook: "Dear AJ Brown,

"Thank you

"Thank you for being a man of your word. By great surprise on this day my son was beyond grateful to meet you. Caught us all by surprise."

The GoFundMe for Andre: "Andre is a kind, loving child with a bright future. This tragedy has shaken our family and the community, but with your help, we can focus on what matters most: helping Andre heal and thrive."

Philadelphia Eagles' AJ Brown on X: "My Hero."

NFL on X: ".@1kalwaysopen_(AJ Brown) stayed true to his promise of visiting this young hero."

6ABC's Jamie Apody on X: "I think I have a new favorite Eagle."

What's Next

The Philadelphia Eagle's parade in their home city will be held on Friday, February 14.