Tragic Shooting Claims Life of Eagles Youth Football Leader and Netflix’s “Last Chance U” Star, Leaving Fans Searching for Answers.QQ
The Philadelphia Eagles organization and the national football community are mourning the devastating loss of John Beam, the team’s Director of Youth Football Programs under the Community & Youth Engagement Department, and the beloved coach featured on Netflix’s hit series “Last Chance U.” Beam died late Thursday following a tragic shooting incident near the athletic facilities at Laney College in Oakland, California. He was 65 years old.
The Eagles released an emotional statement early Friday, honoring Beam as a cornerstone of their youth outreach mission — a man whose guidance and leadership helped shape thousands of young athletes across the country.
“John was a foundational voice in our commitment to the next generation. His passion for football, mentorship, and community changed lives every single day,”
the Eagles wrote.
“His impact will be felt for decades through the children, families, and coaches he inspired.”
A native of Oakland and a legendary figure in west-coast football, Beam served as Athletic Director at Laney College since 2006, overseeing one of the most respected junior-college athletic programs in the country. His role with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he directed youth football initiatives for kids ages 5 to 18, operated as a secondary position he embraced to further expand his lifelong mission: developing young players through flag football, tackle football, summer camps, academic mentorship, and safety/wellness programs.
His national recognition surged following his appearance on Netflix’s “Last Chance U,” where viewers saw his discipline, honesty, and deep empathy for student-athletes navigating life on and off the field. Beam’s mentorship helped countless young men earn scholarships, degrees, and second chances.
Authorities have not released full details about the shooting, but witnesses reported gunfire near the Laney Fieldhouse shortly before noon. Beam was rushed to a hospital in critical condition and later succumbed to his injuries. Oakland Police confirmed the suspect remains at large.
Tributes have poured in from across football — from NFL coaches to former players who credit Beam for reshaping their lives. College programs, high-school coaches, and community leaders across California and Pennsylvania also expressed heartbreak, describing him as a mentor who never stopped giving.
Eagles executives remembered him as
“a leader whose integrity, dedication, and love for young athletes elevated every room he walked into.”
John Beam’s passing leaves a profound void — in Philadelphia, in Oakland, in the American football community, and among the thousands of families who trusted him with their children’s futures. His life remains a testament to the power of service, mentorship, and unwavering belief in the next generation — the same spirit that inspires the Faithful to the Bay and the passion that drives Fly Eagles Fly.
