Hawk lands permanently in philly's nest of fame
By Connor McGlynn
Seventeen weeks of the year, Philadelphians swarm televisions to watch their beloved Eagles take the field against the particular week’s opponent. As the players have come and gone, making a big play every once in awhile, Leo Carlin, ’55, has stayed put for over five decades.
As the Birds entered the locker room to an unfamiliar applause leading the Carolina Panthers on a brisk Monday night on November 26, it was Carlin’s turn to be recognized. After 53 years of box office work, he took to the field alongside his seven children, 18 of his grandkids, and his co-inductee, defensive back Troy Vincent, to be inducted into the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame.
“It was such an unbelievable moment. I can’t put it in words,” Carlin said during a phone interview. “It happened two months ago and it is still too wonderful to describe.”
Seventeen weeks of the year, Philadelphians swarm televisions to watch their beloved Eagles take the field against the particular week’s opponent. As the players have come and gone, making a big play every once in awhile, Leo Carlin, ’55, has stayed put for over five decades.
As the Birds entered the locker room to an unfamiliar applause leading the Carolina Panthers on a brisk Monday night on November 26, it was Carlin’s turn to be recognized. After 53 years of box office work, he took to the field alongside his seven children, 18 of his grandkids, and his co-inductee, defensive back Troy Vincent, to be inducted into the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame.
“It was such an unbelievable moment. I can’t put it in words,” Carlin said during a phone interview. “It happened two months ago and it is still too wonderful to describe.”
Carlin (second from left), along with members of the Prep class of 2013, on the grass at the Hall of Famer's favorite stadium, Lincoln Financial Field (Connor McGlynn)
Carlin, the Eagles current director of ticket and client services, graduated from St. Joseph’s University in 1959 with a major in political science. He joined the Eagles organization as a part-time worker in 1960, the year the Eagles won the NFL Championship against the Green Bay Packers, after he was discharged from the Marines due to a birth defect in his spine. He was hired as a full-time employee as ticket office business manager in 1964.
“The 1960 group was my favorite team,” Carlin said while chuckling. “How couldn’t they be? They got me my job.”
Not only can Carlin share stories from NFL Championship and Super Bowl seasons, but he is the only ticket manager in NFL history to work with the same team in three different stadiums: Franklin field, Veterans Stadium, and Lincoln Financial Field.
“The Linc is my favorite field no question,” Carlin said with certainty. “All the technology and the luxuries that it has puts it way over the others.”
When the Eagles Hall of Fame is mentioned, people immediately remember some of the greatest players to strap on pads: Harold Carmichael, Ron Jaworski, and Reggie White. How can a man that sits behind the glass and never touch the field in a jersey earn that exceptional honor? The answer is simple: passion and service to others.
“I love people,” Carlin said intensely. “The Prep taught me how to be a man for others. People know that I care. My enthusiasm for this game is renewed every kickoff and it never ever stops.”
Jeffrey Lurrie, the Eagles chairman and CEO, spoke about Carlin’s timeless commitment to the organization and the work ethic that he exhibits.
“It takes an effort and a dedication that's just well over and above the job description and that's what Leo has been all about,” Lurrie said in his post induction press conference. “He's got a witty and great personality, amazing energy that never ends, always thinking of others, and a thirst to find a way to make you laugh at all times. The reason Leo is being inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame is the pride and dedication he takes towards every single ticket holder of the Philadelphia Eagles.”
“The 1960 group was my favorite team,” Carlin said while chuckling. “How couldn’t they be? They got me my job.”
Not only can Carlin share stories from NFL Championship and Super Bowl seasons, but he is the only ticket manager in NFL history to work with the same team in three different stadiums: Franklin field, Veterans Stadium, and Lincoln Financial Field.
“The Linc is my favorite field no question,” Carlin said with certainty. “All the technology and the luxuries that it has puts it way over the others.”
When the Eagles Hall of Fame is mentioned, people immediately remember some of the greatest players to strap on pads: Harold Carmichael, Ron Jaworski, and Reggie White. How can a man that sits behind the glass and never touch the field in a jersey earn that exceptional honor? The answer is simple: passion and service to others.
“I love people,” Carlin said intensely. “The Prep taught me how to be a man for others. People know that I care. My enthusiasm for this game is renewed every kickoff and it never ever stops.”
Jeffrey Lurrie, the Eagles chairman and CEO, spoke about Carlin’s timeless commitment to the organization and the work ethic that he exhibits.
“It takes an effort and a dedication that's just well over and above the job description and that's what Leo has been all about,” Lurrie said in his post induction press conference. “He's got a witty and great personality, amazing energy that never ends, always thinking of others, and a thirst to find a way to make you laugh at all times. The reason Leo is being inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame is the pride and dedication he takes towards every single ticket holder of the Philadelphia Eagles.”
Carlin with fellow Preppers in the Eagles' locker room at the Linc (Connor McGlynn)
In addition to being recognized as the 37th member of the Eagles Hall of Fame, Carlin was nominated for the NFL Hall of Fame in the fall of 2009 under the title of “contributor.”
“The NFL Hall of Fame is very nice but the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame is my home. It’s warm and special. I am still very euphoric about the situation,” Carlin said in a frenzy of choosing appropriate descriptors.
As a staff member for a professional football team for over 50 years, Carlin has built friendships with some of the best players in franchise history including his dear workmate, former middle linebacker, Bill Bergey and great friend, former tight end Chad Lewis, who flew to Philadelphia from Utah to witness the on-field induction ceremony.
“I cannot choose a singular greatest memory,” Carlin said without any regret. “My best memories are the associations that I have made along the way.”
Each Sunday the box office is flooded with frantic fans attempting to snatch a last minute ticket, but Carlin’s staff is unfazed. Operating like a well-oiled machine, Carlin’s “five Ps” allow for a smooth game day performance.
“Prior planning prevents poor performance. You cannot be hectic going into it. You have to have everything lined up,” the veteran said casually.
Between the transition from paper tickets to the electronic domination of the field, Carlin has managed to keep right on top of the revolution. As most people count through stacks of tickets one at a time, Carlin has mastered a different method.
“He can fan through a stack of tickets like people do with a deck of cards and count the exact amount that are there,” Derek Boyko, director of football media services and 19 year co-worker of Carlin, said jealously in a phone interview. “It’s unbelievable. He is never off even by one.”
This pure Philadelphian, Carlin grew up at Broad and Eerie, has had a deep passion for the game of football since before grammar school but displays an even stronger love for his family.
“My wife has been with me every step of the way,” Carlin said repeatedly. “She is an outstanding Prepper I may add, as well, having been president of the Mother’s Club twice.”
Not only has his wife, Katherine or “Kay”, been active in the school community, but Carlin is just one of ten in his family to attend the Prep. He currently has three grandchildren in the student body: R.J. Konjarvich, ’13; Leo Carlin, ’15; and Keenan Carlin, ’16.
“I have never seen him so nervous,” Konjarvich said about Carlin’s halftime induction ceremony while seated in the padded chair of St. Michael’s Room. “It meant the world to him. It was hands down the coolest thing ever.”
“He is a Philly sport icon without ever stepping out onto the field,” Boyko said about his close friend. “He is a real class act; very heartfelt, engaging, caring, and a genuine human being. It is immeasurable the way he has affected the Eagles.”
Not only does he perform on the big stage now in the National Football League, while at the Prep Carlin was also a member of Cape and Sword and won silver medal for Best Actor at his senior year commencement. Additionally, he played defensive back and quarterback for the football team.
“I wound up at the age of 30 with five children and I was in a rough touch league. I came home one night with a broken jaw. I thought my wife was going to break my entire head. That was the end of my career I can assure you,” Carlin said, laughing.
During the non-football related appearances he makes, the 75 year old is an avid jogger and racquetball player. Carlin’s second love, however, resides in the theater, his favorite show performed being Les Misérables.
Walking onto a field in front of 70,000 roaring Philadelphia fans is an unforgettable moment. Every spectator that walks past the glass column in the main lobby at Lincoln Financial Field will forever read the name “Leo Carlin.” However, throughout all of the fame and excitement that goes along with being a member of a professional football organization, Carlin will never forget his roots.
“I am very proud to be in the Hall of Fame, but I am more proud to be a Prepper.”
Note: Carlin retired during the 2015 offseason after serving the Eagles for 55 years.
(Originally published in St. Joseph's Preparatory School's "The Nose.")
“The NFL Hall of Fame is very nice but the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame is my home. It’s warm and special. I am still very euphoric about the situation,” Carlin said in a frenzy of choosing appropriate descriptors.
As a staff member for a professional football team for over 50 years, Carlin has built friendships with some of the best players in franchise history including his dear workmate, former middle linebacker, Bill Bergey and great friend, former tight end Chad Lewis, who flew to Philadelphia from Utah to witness the on-field induction ceremony.
“I cannot choose a singular greatest memory,” Carlin said without any regret. “My best memories are the associations that I have made along the way.”
Each Sunday the box office is flooded with frantic fans attempting to snatch a last minute ticket, but Carlin’s staff is unfazed. Operating like a well-oiled machine, Carlin’s “five Ps” allow for a smooth game day performance.
“Prior planning prevents poor performance. You cannot be hectic going into it. You have to have everything lined up,” the veteran said casually.
Between the transition from paper tickets to the electronic domination of the field, Carlin has managed to keep right on top of the revolution. As most people count through stacks of tickets one at a time, Carlin has mastered a different method.
“He can fan through a stack of tickets like people do with a deck of cards and count the exact amount that are there,” Derek Boyko, director of football media services and 19 year co-worker of Carlin, said jealously in a phone interview. “It’s unbelievable. He is never off even by one.”
This pure Philadelphian, Carlin grew up at Broad and Eerie, has had a deep passion for the game of football since before grammar school but displays an even stronger love for his family.
“My wife has been with me every step of the way,” Carlin said repeatedly. “She is an outstanding Prepper I may add, as well, having been president of the Mother’s Club twice.”
Not only has his wife, Katherine or “Kay”, been active in the school community, but Carlin is just one of ten in his family to attend the Prep. He currently has three grandchildren in the student body: R.J. Konjarvich, ’13; Leo Carlin, ’15; and Keenan Carlin, ’16.
“I have never seen him so nervous,” Konjarvich said about Carlin’s halftime induction ceremony while seated in the padded chair of St. Michael’s Room. “It meant the world to him. It was hands down the coolest thing ever.”
“He is a Philly sport icon without ever stepping out onto the field,” Boyko said about his close friend. “He is a real class act; very heartfelt, engaging, caring, and a genuine human being. It is immeasurable the way he has affected the Eagles.”
Not only does he perform on the big stage now in the National Football League, while at the Prep Carlin was also a member of Cape and Sword and won silver medal for Best Actor at his senior year commencement. Additionally, he played defensive back and quarterback for the football team.
“I wound up at the age of 30 with five children and I was in a rough touch league. I came home one night with a broken jaw. I thought my wife was going to break my entire head. That was the end of my career I can assure you,” Carlin said, laughing.
During the non-football related appearances he makes, the 75 year old is an avid jogger and racquetball player. Carlin’s second love, however, resides in the theater, his favorite show performed being Les Misérables.
Walking onto a field in front of 70,000 roaring Philadelphia fans is an unforgettable moment. Every spectator that walks past the glass column in the main lobby at Lincoln Financial Field will forever read the name “Leo Carlin.” However, throughout all of the fame and excitement that goes along with being a member of a professional football organization, Carlin will never forget his roots.
“I am very proud to be in the Hall of Fame, but I am more proud to be a Prepper.”
Note: Carlin retired during the 2015 offseason after serving the Eagles for 55 years.
(Originally published in St. Joseph's Preparatory School's "The Nose.")
