Philadelphia Eagles Geoffrey Pope Heads to the Nations Capital for National Walk for Epilepsy

Philadelphia Eagles Geoffrey Pope Heads to the Nation’s Capital for National Walk for Epilepsy

Geoffrey Pope Leads Walk Team to Encourage Youth Athletes with Epilepsy

Washington, D.C. (March 15, 2010) — The Epilepsy Foundation announced today that Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Geoffrey Pope will participate in the fourth  annual National Walk for Epilepsy on Saturday, March 27, 2010, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Pope, who made his NFL debut in 2007 with the Super Bowl-winning N.Y. Giants, is a
former Howard University Bison. He is serving as team lead for the Gridiron Gang, a Walk team established to honor his grandmother, who experiences seizures, and encourage young athletes to pursue their dreams despite living with epilepsy.  

The National Walk for Epilepsy, hosted by the Epilepsy Foundation is a family-oriented, noncompetitive, two-mile walk in our nation’s capital. In the last two years, the event has engaged more than 20,000 walkers and raised more than $3 million for much-needed programs for people with epilepsy and help to find a cure.  

 “This is the fourth year that Geoffrey Pope has participated in the National Walk for Epilepsy. As a professional athlete, he is an inspiration to a great many people,” said Kimberli Meadows, senior director of public relations for the Epilepsy Foundation. “We are grateful for his support and his willingness to be a role model for many young people who aspire to do good work on and off the field.”

Pope will join thousands of people, including Alan Faneca of the NY Jets, Jason Snelling of the Atlanta Falcons and Greg Grunberg of NBC’s hit show, Heroes. Alan Faneca, a nine-time, all-pro offensive guard, has had epilepsy since he was 15. Jason Snelling was diagnosed with epilepsy after experiencing symptoms while playing football at the University of Virginia. Actor Greg Grunberg, from NBC’s hit drama, Heroes, is the Walk’s chair for the fourth year—as well as a team leader. He’ll be walking with his family, including his son Jake, who has epilepsy.

“Many people with epilepsy are encouraged not to participate in contact sports or other activities that could lead to a head injury,” said Geoffrey Pope. “Despite that warning, both Alan and Jason keep on playing and both of them are exceptional athletes, who are at the top of their game. I’m taking part in the Walk to encourage people who’ve experienced seizures like my grandmother, Alan, Jason and thousands of young athletes across the country, like Greg’s son, Jake.” To join the Gridiron Gang, go to WalkforEpilepsy.org and click on Find a Team on the left margin.