Eagles superfan crowdfunds Super Bowl LVII tickets
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- "Always shoot your shot" is a motto one young Eagles superfan has heading into Super Bowl LVII. You may remember Giovanni Hamilton, better known as "Gio" from video back during Eagles training camp in 2019.
The now 15-year-old lives in Indianapolis but still cheers on his Birds from nearly 650 miles across the country.
The podcaster has talked with Eagles stars, including Jalen Hurts.
Gio crowdfunded his way to Super Bowl tickets to see the Birds play the Kansas City Chiefs in Arizona.
GUYS WE REACHED THE GOAL I AM GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL!
— The Giovanni Show Podcast (@GioThePodcaster) January 31, 2023
sorry i am tearing up
i cant thank you guys enough i always feel like the odd one out but not when i am with you guys and not when i am watching football i belong and i feel like i belong because of you go birds love gio pic.twitter.com/j8EvcLsuCY
Fans from all over have donated, leaving social media comments.
"To be at this game would be amazing because I have a connection with some of these people," Gio said, "so it's more than a game. I started a fundraiser to try to get out to Arizona just trying to see my guys. I will be in the nosebleed of nosebleeds if I have to. I am just trying to get out there to see my guys win another Super Bowl.
"It would mean the world you know, just growing up loving the Eagles and just loving this entire organization from Mr. [Howie] Roseman, who has been so kind to me, Nick Sirianni has been so kind to me, and Jalen Hurts, who I had on the podcast, just a guy who really relates with the fans," Gio added, "and, and to, to be at this game would be amazing because I have a connection with some of these people. So it's more than a game, you know?
"I'm always the odd one out, it seems like I'm always the black sheep wherever I go. So, to be able to fit in and in just the NFL is been one of the best things in my entire life. Probably the best experience that I've ever had is being able to relate with all fan bases around the league, every fan base has embraced me and just every team has embraced me and that's why this game is such a beautiful thing."
Gio is ordering his tickets after crowd-founding $18,000 to cover the flight, rental car and souvenirs at the game.
Shannon, Gio's mom, posted an update on Twitter that he's $500 from his goal, and that she's "speechless" he'll get an opportunity to head to the Super Bowl.
Giovanni’s $550 away from his goal. Thank you all so much. I’m just speechless. Thank you all for believing in and supporting Giovanni
— Shannon 🦅 (@ShannonAlgarin) January 31, 2023
I should receive the 1st dispersement tomorrow and I’ll order the tickets. I’ll post them for transparency!
He can’t wait to cover this game!