What started as a tragedy has taken an unexpected and emotional turn for Ryan Quigley, one of the injured in the New Year’s Eve attack in New Orleans. A Philadelphia Eagles fan and former football player at Princeton, Quigley lost his friend Martin “Tiger” Bech in the attack that left 14 fatalities and dozens injured.
Now, less than two months later, she will have the opportunity to attend Super Bowl LIX, a gesture that has touched many. The Philadelphia Eagles team surprised Quigley with two tickets to the game on February 9th, in an emotional meeting at their training facilities.
Ryan Quigley injured in the New Orleans attack receives a great gift from the Philadelphia Eagles
Accompanied by Bech's sister, Ginnie, Quigley received the news from defensive end Brandon Graham and former player Jason Kelce. "We wanted to tell you the real reason why we brought you here," Graham said before making the big revelation. "It's okay if you don't feel like it, but we would love for you to come to the Super Bowl."
The moment was emotional for Quigley, who, with tears in his eyes, remembered his deceased friend. "Tiger was the biggest fan. Last year we went to all the home games," he shared. "I promised him that if we made it to the Super Bowl, I would take him with me. There is nothing I would like more than to fulfill that promise."
Quigley's reaction moved everyone in the room. Among hugs and words of encouragement, Graham assured him: "He lives through you." The impact of the tragedy has been profound not only for Quigley, but also for the Bech family.
Ryan Quigley and the family of Martin "Tiger" Bech closer than ever
Jack Bech, Martin's younger brother and player for Texas Christian University, paid an emotional tribute to his brother at the Senior Bowl. Wearing the number 7 that Tiger used at Princeton, Jack caught six passes and scored the game-winning touchdown, earning the Most Valuable Player award.
“All a big brother wants is to see his younger brother succeed,” Jack said after the game. “He has been my role model all my life. The person I wanted to be.” The road to recovery for Ryan Quigley and the Bech family remains tough, but they are not alone.