PHILADELPHIA — Tanner McKee experienced a remarkable moment in his NFL journey when he threw his first touchdown pass to none other than a Philadelphia Eagles fan named Patrick Driscoll.


However, the touchdown pass was intended for Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Brown, who, in a fleeting moment of excitement, tossed the ball into the stands at Lincoln Financial Field.


“Oh no,” Brown expressed his regret, “I felt so bad because I threw it so far.”


McKee, a sixth-round draft pick from Stanford in 2023, had never stepped onto the field for a regular-season game prior to Sunday when he got the chance to play against Dallas due to injuries to other players.


With Jalen Hurts sidelined because of a concussion and Kenny Pickett, who contributed both as a runner and passer in the Eagles’ 41-7 victory, leaving the game with rib injuries, McKee found himself thrust into action.


The 24-year-old did not disappoint, delivering a 20-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, increasing the lead to 34-7, but the exhilaration was short-lived as he realized the football — a significant keepsake — was lost in the crowd.


Unbeknownst to McKee, the fans were eager to return the football. They initiated a relay that passed the historic ball from Driscoll to various fans and ultimately to Eagles’ security chief “Big” Dom DiSandro, who ensured it got into Brown’s hands before reaching McKee.


“I really appreciate whoever returned the ball,” McKee remarked. “(Brown) was like, ‘I’m sorry, bro. I got the ball back,’ so it all worked out. He made an excellent play with an obvious great catch.”


It was Brown’s throw that could have used some precision.


Driscoll, who caught the ball in Section 110, didn’t hesitate to return it. “I’m holding it,” he shared. “Of course, I didn’t want to part with it, A.J. Brown just threw it from the end zone. Then I saw people approaching and realized they wanted the ball back. It held significance.”


As a thank-you for returning the football, Brown removed and signed his game jersey before handing it to Driscoll amidst the cheers of “E-A-G-L-E-S!” from fellow fans.


“We have incredible fans here,” Brown noted, reflecting on the support surrounding him.


McKee wasn’t done yet; he added another highlight to his day by throwing a second touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.