School: Mt. Carmel, 1994.
Position: Quarterback.
Team: Philadelphia Eagles.
After earning second-team Tribune All-State honors in 1993, McNabb was Syracuse’s starting quarterback for four years. He was named Big East offensive player of the 1990s after setting conference career records for TD passes (77) and yards passing (8,389). But the 1999 first-round draft choice, second overall, was booed by Philadelphia fans who wanted Ricky Williams in the draft. McNabb responded with two trips to the Pro Bowl. The 6-foot-3-inch, 226-pounder faces the Bears on Sunday.
How did you feel about your draft-day reception from Eagles fans?
“It was my dream day–a No. 1 pick at Madison Square Garden–but it didn’t upset me that much. I was concerned for my family. They were embarrassed and crying. But I just told them to stay strong, I can handle it.”
Eagles teammate Barry Gardner, Antwaan Randle El and yourself all are from the same area. What’s with the south suburbs and the NFL?
“Good things happen to people out in the suburbs. It’s in the water.”
What aspect of playing at Mt. Carmel prepared you for your success?
“Playing with great players under a coach like Frank Lenti at a school with a rich tradition put me in a great position at Syracuse.”
What do you miss about high school?
“The cheese fries and fruit punch. Those were the days, when you can eat just about everything.”
So no Philly cheesesteaks?
“Oh, no.”
