Eagles Linebacker’s Joy Turns to Heartbreak After Brother Injured in Minneapolis Catholic School Tragedy

Philadelphia, PA – For one Eagles Linebacker, the happiest moment of his young career was shattered in an instant. Just hours after learning he had officially made Philadelphia’s 53-man roster, the tight end received a devastating phone call from his mother: his younger brother had been injured in the Minneapolis Catholic school tragedy that left two children dead and at least 17 people hospitalized.

The incident, which occurred during a morning mass at a Catholic school in south Minneapolis, has been described as one of the most heartbreaking events to strike the city in years. According to local authorities, chaos broke out as dozens of students and parishioners scrambled for safety. Victims ranged in age from young children to the elderly.

For him, the news turned what should have been a dream week into one of the darkest chapters of his life. “I was celebrating making the 53-man roster when I got a call from my mom, telling me my brother had been injured and was in the hospital,” he said with tears in his eyes. “It’s the most painful thing I’ve ever experienced. Football means the world to me, but family comes first. Right now, all my prayers are for him and for every family that’s hurting from this tragedy.”

That Linebacker is Zack Baun, he was an integral part of the Eagles' Super Bowl LIX championship run. Following that dream season, the team rewarded him with a 3-year, $51 million contract extension. Making the 53-man roster, he is thrilled to continue playing in midnight green, but the joy was quickly replaced by anguish as his family faced the unimaginable back in Minnesota.

The Eagles organization has rallied behind Baun, offering counseling and support while urging fans to keep the victims in their thoughts. Across social media, Eagles Nation has flooded timelines with messages of encouragement. Many reminded Baun that his brother—and every victim—will not be forgotten.

“Stay strong, Baun. Philly is with you,” one fan wrote on X. Another posted: “Family first, always. Fly Eagles Fly, we’ve got your back.”

This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder that life is bigger than football. For Zack Baun, the dream of being an Eagle will continue, but right now his focus is where it belongs: at his brother’s side, praying for healing and hoping for brighter days ahead.