Eagles’ Anthony Harris delivers on a ‘crazy big ask’ and brings smiles back to Texas family

In case you were wondering, Eagles safety Anthony Harris doesn’t know the “Chicken Dance.”

But in late January, Harris escorted Audrey Soape, an 11-year-old girl who lost her father and grandfather last year, to a “Daddy-Daughter” dance at Fellowship Church in Round Rock, Texas.

“We were enjoying the experience and not paying much attention to what other people thought,” Harris said. “It was really just dancing and having a good time.”

Prior to the event, Harris and Soape had never met in person. But the story can be traced back two years.

Harris posted a picture on Instagram of custom-made cleats that honored his late grandfather, who passed away due to COVID-19 complications. Audrey’s mother, Holly, a huge Vikings fan, had been a fan of Harris during his six seasons with the team. After seeing the post, she sent Harris a direct message — a “thoughts and prayers” thing — and he responded. The two have communicated on social media ever since.

In December, Holly reached out to Harris and asked if he would be willing to attend the church dance with Soape. Audrey suffered a double loss in 2021 as her grandfather, as well as her father, Ryan, passed unexpectedly.

“I told [Harris] that [the dance] is a crazy big ask, insanely far-fetched, and please don’t be afraid to say no,” Holly said.

Harris liked the idea, though the safety also emphasized his professional responsibilities. .

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“I told [Holly] that if we didn’t make the playoffs or if we didn’t go far in the playoffs, that I would be open to doing it,” Harris said.

After the Buccaneers defeated the Eagles in the wild-card weekend, Harris’ weekend became free.

“I was kind of trying to think of how I could make it as normal as possible and make it a smooth and special evening … not knowing each other deeply,” Harris said.

Harris partnered with his namesake charitable foundation to purchase a nice dress for Soape. He also paid for her hair, makeup, and transportation.

Soape was ecstatic, but also nervous.

“[Audrey] was thinking ‘What if he doesn’t like me? What if I dance weird?’ ” Holly said.

A week later, Harris was on a plane. He met Audrey, Holly, and Audrey’s brother at their house.

“He was a complete gentleman to [Audrey] and me,” Holly said, adding that Harris even shook her son’s hand and took a photo with him. “It really just felt like an old friend, kind of like family.”

When the two arrived at the dance, Harris didn’t want Soape to feel any pressure.

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“I tried to initially give her some distance and let her be a kid and let her enjoy the time with her friends without her feeling like someone is over her shoulder, while not being too far away if some of her friends started dancing with their fathers … so she could have someone there to support her,” Harris said.

Harris said he also talked to other party-goers and the church pastors. And as the night progressed, Harris and Soape were able to better connect.

“We talked a lot about football and stuff at the beginning,” Audrey said. “And then we kind of just eased up the conversion and talked a little bit about my dad.”

The duo even completed a scavenger hunt together and danced to a couple of songs. Harris said it was “tough to dance” to some of the Disney songs, but that it was a “good time,” nonetheless.

“I’m just thankful for the opportunity I have to play football and have an impact on people’s lives and that was ultimately what I was trying to do, to be there for [Audrey],” Harris said.

The Soapes and Harris agreed the night was a success.

“The whole night, honestly, from start to finish could not have gone better,” Holly said. “And that was really remarkable to me, for [Harris] to show that vulnerability, the human side that we all really need from one another.”

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Harris, a free agent this offseason, said that there is “definitely mutual interest” for him to return to Philadelphia.

“It was a ton of fun and I built some good relationships there and the organization was able to win some games and make the playoffs,” Harris said.

While which team Harris will ultimately sign with is uncertain, Harris will continue to check in with Holly and Audrey periodically on social media.

For Audrey, it was a dance that she will never forget.

“[Harris] made [Audrey] feel really safe even when she thought she wouldn’t have fun and that she would be uncomfortable the whole time,” Holly said.

“He made [Audrey’s] smile come back.”