HERSHEY, Pa. — When LeSean McCoy visited Penn State Children’s Hospital, it was hard to tell who enjoyed the visit more — the patients and families or McCoy himself. The NFL running back seemed to relish every moment of his opportunity to brighten the day of those he met.
McCoy, a Harrisburg native and Bishop McDevitt High School graduate, struck up conversations with dozens of people, even though few of those interactions were with fans of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Shortly after stepping off the elevator onto the third floor, he met a young Dallas fan. “We’ve got a Cowboy fan right here. It’s America’s team, so I understand,” McCoy quipped.
Much to a young Eagles fan’s surprise, McCoy — whose NFL career started in Philadelphia in 2009 — spontaneously dialed up Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson for a brief Facetime chat with the 12-year-old.
Then it happened: “I’m from Kansas City. I love the Chiefs!” proclaimed a staff member.
McCoy’s eyes lit up. “I knew I’d find one of them back here!” he said.
As he made his way through the halls, McCoy signed autographs and posed for photos. The visit was arranged by the hospital’s Child Life Program, which helps children and families prepare for and cope with the stress that can come with health problems and hospital stays.