By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly editor
In August 2017, the Philadelphia Eagles dealt one of their longest tenured players, Jon Dorenbos, to the Saints for a seventh round pick in 2019. Little did we know at the time, the trade would save Dorenbos' life. Saints doctors discovered an aortic aneurysm during his physical following the trade and the 37-year-old underwent immediate heart surgery.
Fast forward to Super Bowl week. Dorenbos received a phone call from Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, inviting him to the big game to experience everything in person. After the 41-33 win, Dorenbos will be rewarded for his time with the Eagles in the form of a championship ring from Super Bowl LII.
"Had I played, I'd die. If you can't play in it, this is the next best way to enjoy it," Dorenbos told Joel Erickson of The Advocate. "Mr. Lurie called me and said he wants me to be a part of it, said I was here a long time and he said 'We're going to win this, and you're going to get a ring."
Dorenbos joined the Eagles in 2006 and he played in franchise record 162 consecutive games until a wrist injury derailed the impressive streak. Only David Akers (188), Brian Dawkins (183), Harold Carmichael (180), Brent Celek (175), Chuck Bednarik (169) and Tra Thomas (166) have played more games in an Eagles uniform then Dorenbos.
"My fate was what it was," Dorenbos said. "I'm just happy to be around guys I played with for so long."