Fan's obit requests Eagles pallbearers to 'let him down one last time'

Aug. 25 (UPI) -- A New Jersey sports fan's obituary includes a request for Philadelphia Eagles players to serve as pallbearers so the team "can let him down one last time."

The obituary for Jeffrey Riegel, 56, who died last Friday, includes one particular passage that the longtime season ticket holder requested himself before his death: "He requested to have 8 Philadelphia Eagles as pall bearers so the Eagles can let him down one last time."

Donna Lee Riegel said her late husband spent decades rooting for the Eagles, despite a lack of Super Bowl victories in his lifetime. She said he was at least able to see the team win over the Buffalo Bills in last week's 20-16 preseason game.

Longtime friend Lou Jiacopello told the Press of Atlantic City he had a good chuckle when he read the obituary.

"The last time we spoke, he told me to check out the obituary," Jiacopello said. "He wouldn't tell me what it said, but he knew I'd get a kick out of it."