Jon Dorenbos, an Eagles' fan favorite, made his grand return to the city of brotherly love with a pair of magic shows at the Sugar House Casino.
Dorenbos spent the last 14 years as a long snapper in the NFL and aspiring magician. These two careers only overlapped for a very short time.
At the beginning of this season, doctors discovered a life threatening heart condition that ended his career forever. While the Eagles were out winning a Super Bowl, Dorenbos had a few major victories of his own. He worked his way to a highly disputed runner up finish on America's Got Talent, and has made multiple appearances on the Ellen show.
While all of these accomplishments are important, he still had one hurdle yet to clear. He had yet to headline his own show.
March 15, 2018, Dorenbos begins his first of a pair of sold out shows at the Sugar House casino in Philadelphia. Before a packed house of fans and his former head coach, Doug Pederson; Dorenbos proceeded to blow the roof off the casino.
He kept his audience in utter amazement for the full two hour set with a bevy of card tricks, shuffling techniques, and what appeared to be time travel. It truly looked like he was doing what he was born to do, especially with the boyish grin that never seems to leave his face.
His show was quite possibly the most fun I have ever had sitting down. It was certainly a magical performance that captivated the hearts and minds of his audience.
While the magic was incredible, I would be remiss if I did not devote some time to Dorenbos' incredible spirit and attitude.
Something few people knew before the show was that his father murdered his mother while Dorenbos was only 12 years old. He spent the better part of his middle and high school years filled with anger and excuses that prevented him from becoming the man he aspired to be.
In order to break free of these chains, he did the unthinkable. He forgave his father. After the collective gasp of the audience had subsided, Dorenbos went on to explain that he could never what his father did but what he could do is recognize that no one is perfect and everyone has their flaws.
From this point on life was great for Dorenbos. He was playing the game he loved at the highest level and even went to a few pro bowls. Life was not done testing him however, and Jon's life would take one more tragic turn in his 14th NFL season.
He was diagnosed with a life threatening heart condition and would need emergency open heart surgery. After a period where he was touch and go, Dorenbos pulled through and began his long road to recovery.
Through all of this, he remains one of the most centered, kind hearted, and charismatic people that I have had the privilege to be around. His hands are where the magic happens, but his character could be the most awe inspiring feature of Jon Dorenbos.
