Former Princeton Football Player to Attend Super Bowl as Honorary Guest After Tragic Loss
Former Princeton football player Ryan Quigley, who was seriously injured in a violent terrorist attack in New Orleans on January 1, will return to the city as an honorary guest of the Philadelphia Eagles. Quigley’s best friend and fellow teammate, Tiger Bech, lost his life in the attack. The Eagles had previously invited Quigley and Bech’s sister to their divisional round game against the Los Angeles Rams, but surprised Quigley with an invitation to their training facility, and ultimately Super Bowl LIX tickets.
Quigley, who suffered broken bones in his leg, back, and face, underwent surgery and several days in the hospital to recover. Despite the traumatic experience, Quigley has vowed to share Bech’s story and will use his platform to introduce Bech to everyone he meets.
“This year’s Super Bowl will be hosted by the city of New Orleans. It will take place just a little over a month after the attack. Quigley will return to the city, something he vowed never to do again. ‘New Year’s Eve was my first time in New Orleans ever, it was my first night, and I told myself it was going to be the last,’ Quigley said. ‘But then I thought about it, because all year I’ve been telling Tiger if the Eagles make the Super Bowl this year, I promised him I was going to take him, and he’s from Louisiana.'”
Quigley hopes to share Bech’s story, which he believes will help keep his friend’s memory alive. “Everything that the Eagles have done from being around the facilities today and the Divisional Round, to helping us share his story, there’s no words to describe it. We’re forever grateful to have the opportunity to tell the rest of the world how special Tiger was,” Quigley said.
The Eagles and Chiefs will meet in Super Bowl LIX on February 9 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The game will be streamed on Tubi.
