Eagles’ veteran star walks away from Sunday’s game — and the heartbreaking reason will stop you cold.QQ
The NFL world is once again reminded that life can change in an instant. Earlier this week, tragedy struck Louisville, Kentucky, when a UPS cargo plane loaded with 38,000 gallons of jet fuel crashed shortly after takeoff from Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening.
According to investigators, the aircraft’s left engine detached during takeoff, triggering a massive explosion that sent debris raining across the industrial zone south of the airport. The crash site erupted into flames, with plumes of black smoke visible for miles. The fire engulfed nearby warehouses and offices before firefighters could bring it under control late that night. Officials have confirmed at least 14 fatalities and cautioned that the number could rise as recovery efforts continue.
Witnesses described the terrifying moment the MD-11 aircraft briefly lifted before plummeting and exploding near a petroleum facility. Dozens of emergency crews, including the Louisville Fire Department, worked through the night to contain the inferno, fueled by thousands of gallons of jet fuel. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has begun a full investigation, inspecting the engines and flight data recorders.
Among those critically injured in the disaster was a man working at a nearby facility struck by debris — the uncle of Philadelphia Eagles safety Marcus Epps. Family members told reporters that the victim, whom Marcus often calls “a rock in our family,” suffered severe burns and internal injuries and remains in critical condition at University of Louisville Hospital.
After learning of the tragedy, Epps immediately informed the Eagles organization of his decision to step away from the team. He had been scheduled to start in Monday night’s showdown with the Green Bay Packers — but instead, he flew home to Kentucky to be at his family’s side during what the team described as “an unimaginably difficult time.”
Head coach Nick Sirianni spoke with compassion when addressing the media on Sunday:
“There are moments when football takes a back seat to life. Marcus’s family is hurting right now, and he’s exactly where he needs to be — with them. The entire Eagles family is praying for healing, for strength, and for everyone affected by this tragedy. We’ll hold him and his loved ones close in our hearts Monday night.”
Known for his quiet leadership and fierce play in the secondary, Epps released a short but emotional statement through the team:
“My uncle has been like a father to me since I was a kid. He taught me to stay humble, to stay grounded, and to keep fighting when life gets tough. Right now, he needs me — and I need to be there. I want to thank Coach Sirianni, my teammates, and the Eagles organization for their love and understanding. Please keep my family and all the families affected in your prayers.”
Sources inside the organization confirmed that the Eagles fully support his decision and have excused him indefinitely. Several teammates, including Jalen Hurts and Haason Reddick, shared words of encouragement on social media under the hashtag #PrayForMarcus, with fans from around the league joining in solidarity.
The Eagles also announced they will hold a moment of silence before kickoff at Lincoln Financial Field to honor the victims of the Kentucky UPS plane crash and those still fighting for their lives.
As the investigation continues and families in Louisville grieve, the story of Marcus Epps is a powerful reminder that behind every jersey number is a person — one who carries not just the weig
