When Challenger retired in 2019 after more than 30 flights for the Eagles, Lincoln was almost ready. Lincoln spent time training at different stadiums across Tennessee so he could get used to the atmosphere and crowd, and in 2024, he made his debut at the stadium he’s named after.

Lincoln has been an immediate hit in Philadelphia with his debut season ending with confetti on Bourbon Street, but his impact has stretched beyond football. His presence at Eagles games brought increased attention towards the American Eagle Foundation and has helped the organization expand its mission of assisting the bald eagles.

“To be able to have the recognition and the support of the Philadelphia Eagles fan base, as well as the organization, to get our mission out on how we take care of the nation’s injured bald eagles, it’s just completely game-changing for us,” Hall said. “We were in a place last year where we were coming to Philly and flying Lincoln for those games, and we started to see more and more people trying to find our website, follow us on social media. It was just an absolute incredible response.”

The AEF crew will drive Lincoln to Philadelphia from Tennessee prior to Thursday’s game, stopping every two hours for a 15-minute break where Lincoln stretches and gets fresh air. Then, there will be test flights on Wednesday and Thursday.

The flying process for Lincoln isn’t simple as four different members of AEF will be on the scene to help everything go to plan. There is a release person, someone measuring the wind speed, a catcher for when he lands, and Hall, who will keep eyes on Lincoln at all times.

When Lincoln takes off, there will be someone whistling and holding a lure covered in yellow tape, which Lincoln is trained to fly towards. Then, he’s free to do as many laps as he wants — “Sometimes he chooses to do several turns just to kind of get the crowd going,” Hall said — before he returns to the catcher, who is standing on a yellow tarp.

“We train based on relationships,” Hall said. “Our handlers build a really strong relationship with Lincoln, and it’s based on trust. He knows that they’re always going to be there to catch him. He knows that they have his safety first of mind. Throughout that training, they build this kind of trust bond between animal and human.”

The production is an in-depth process, and before the opener Lincoln practiced at Neyland Stadium, home of the Tennessee Volunteers. The stadium seats 101,915 people, the sixth-largest football stadium in the United States. Hall said it’s a great practice ground for Lincoln because the shape has similarities to Lincoln Financial Field.

There was immediately a major reaction from the Philadelphia crowd upon the return of pregame flights. Lincoln flew at most games last season, including all three home playoff games, and the love from Philadelphia was clear.

“Those fans are so incredibly passionate and so kind to us and so wonderful,” Hall said. “They love Lincoln. They’ve just embraced him after that one season. We see them on social media, and they’re cheering him on, and they’re saying, ‘Go Linc,’ and it’s incredible.”