It’s not every day that a group of pro athletes trades helmets and mouthguards for headphones and microphones, but for the Philadelphia Eagles’ Jason Kelce (retired), Lane Johnson, and Jordan Mailata, it’s become an annual holiday tradition. But this year’s A Philly Special Christmas Party, the group’s third and final record, isn’t your typical jock rock effort. For one, they’ve brought a murderer’s row of collaborators, including Stevie Nicks, Boyz II Men, Devon Gilfillian, and The Hooters’ Eric Bazilian and Rob Hyman, as well as members of Mt. Joy, The War on Drugs, Dr. Dog, The Roots, and mewithoutYou. And on a likely-not-unrelated note, the album is genuinely enjoyable.
“It has been a joy to record these three albums, and I am thrilled that so many musicians chose to share their time and talents to help us create something truly special this holiday season,” says executive producer Connor Barwin, the Eagles’ Head of Football Development and Strategy, himself a retired defensive end. “I think people were excited to be a part of this after they heard the first record and how talented Jason, Jordan, and Lane are as singers.” Producer Charlie Hall (drummer, The War on Drugs) echoes these sentiments: “It’s been incredible to witness the generosity of spirit and outpouring of talent from the 50+ musicians who came together to make this third album our biggest and best yet.” The second single, a duet between Jason Kelce and Stevie Nicks on “Maybe This Christmas,” reached the top of the iTunes Holiday Chart, as did “Santa Drives an Astrovan,” featuring Mt. Joy. On the Billboard Charts, A Philly Special Christmas Party is #16 on the Billboard Top 200, #1 on the Independent Charts, #2 on the Holiday Charts, and #2 on the Vinyl Charts.
“I am still pinching myself that I got to be a part of such an amazing project,” says songwriter Devon Gilfillian. “I grew up in Philly, and I’ve been blown away by what this project can do: The Philly Special Christmas team has raised 4.5 million dollars to date, and has been able to support over 40 non-profits, including the Children’s Crisis Treatment Center and The Children’s Hospital Of Philadelphia.
“I loved getting to cover “Having A Party” with Jordan Malaita, he continues. “This track isn’t a traditional Christmas tune, but it has that special feeling of being at a holiday party with the people you love.”
But the magic of A Philly Special Christmas Party goes beyond the star-studded collaborations: shared passion and camaraderie shine through in every track. Take “Loud Little Town,” a song born from the bittersweet experience of a friend’s becoming an empty-nester that evolved into a heartfelt duet between Jason and Kylie Kelce, showcasing the emotional depth and personal connection woven into the music. The album’s production served as a further testament to this collaborative spirit: Hall and Barwin fostered an environment where the pros, players and musicians alike, could seamlessly blend their talents, and the result is an album that feels both polished and personal, a testament to the power of music to bring people together.
And while their first two releases topped the charts and garnered critical acclaim, they’re really in it for charity. The first two Philly Special Christmas albums raised about $4 million for local charities like the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s (CHOP) Snowflake Station and Children’s Crisis Treatment Center, and this year, they’ve partnered with The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia to include their most ambitious fundraiser yet: Operation Snowball, a citywide initiative to provide a holiday gift to every student in the city’s public school system. It’s a heartwarming goal that embodies the spirit of the holiday season and showcases the Philly Specials’ dedication to making a tangible difference in their community. (The Specials will also make their annual donation to CHOP’s Snowflake Station and CCTC’s Toy Drive.)
Operation Snowball is a true community effort, with support from prominent figures like former pro soccer player Carli Lloyd, Philly 76er Jared McCain, and rapper Gillie Da King. Says Barwin: “I can’t wait to deliver the presents with the guys later this month and be part of the magic of the season.” Every contribution snowballs into a brighter holiday season for Philly’s children, and you can join the movement and help make the project’s goal a reality. Purchase the album or merch, or donate directly to The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia.
As the Specials release their final holiday album, they leave behind a legacy of giving and a blueprint for how athletes can use their platform to make a positive impact. They’ve raised millions of dollars, brought joy to countless fans, and inspired a spirit of generosity that will hopefully continue to snowball for years to come. A Philly Special Christmas Party is more than just an album; it’s a celebration of community, compassion, and the enduring magic of the holiday season.
