Philadelphia Eagles to Honor Hometown Astronaut

October 31, 2011 — What do you think of when you hear Monday Night Football? Football? Maybe your favorite team? Certainly not NASA. But those who attend the November 7 Philadelphia Eagles game against the Chicago Bears will be thinking about NASA when astronaut Chris Ferguson returns to his hometown to serve as the Philadelphia Eagles' honorary captain during the NFL game. The Eagles are hosting the Bears at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, beginning at 8:30 p.m. EDT. Ferguson will be recognized on the field for his dedication to America's space program and his leadership commanding the final flight of space shuttle Atlantis. The 13-day mission marked the end of the shuttle program's 30-year legacy with Atlantis' touchdown on July 21, 2011. Ferguson, who joined the astronaut corps in August 1998, is visiting Philadelphia to spread NASA's message about the importance of space research and exploration. Before the game, Ferguson will also visit the Please Touch Museum from 1-2:30 p.m. While at the children's museum he will participate in story time and sign autographs.

Astronaut and STS 135 Commander Chris Ferguson will be Philadelphia Eagles’ honorary captain during the Monday Night Football game on November 7 against the Chicago Bears. Photo credit: NASA

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