My Dream Job as a Sports Reporter
Being a sports reporter has always been my dream job. But to be honest, there are moments when it feels like exactly that — a job. I know, I know. Cue the tiny violin. Those feelings, while legitimate, are often followed by realizations of perspective. I had one when I met Gilbert Williams.
Meeting Gilbert Williams
In case you don’t know, there aren’t a lot of walkable food options by the airport in Philadelphia. And with the season opener between the Cowboys and Eagles not kicking off until late that Thursday night, I needed some food. So I decided to order Popeyes from DoorDash.
Gilbert was my dasher. He communicated thoroughly during the order. After messages, he made sure to say “Go Birds,” with an Eagles emoji in our messages. Philadelphia fans are something else on game day.
A Conversation with Gilbert
Gilbert arrived wearing a Kelly green Saquon Barkley jersey. We started talking. I asked him if he was going to the game that night, considering his attire. He said no. He said he’d actually never been to an NFL game, though he always wanted to.
We said our goodbyes. He left me with a “Go Birds” shout — and some perspective. When I got to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, I decided to take a photo and publicize that perspective.
Sharing the Story on Social Media
I shared what Gilbert had told me on X, formerly Twitter, about how he had never been to a game. I then wrote: “As I start my third season on the Cowboys beat, I’m feeling blessed and appreciative to do this for a living.”
My DoorDash deliverer today told me that he’s never been to a NFL game and that he’s always wanted to. Sometimes this job can feel like a job. As I start my third season on the Cowboys beat, I’m feeling blessed and appreciative to do this for a living. Let’s have a SZN. pic.twitter.com/V0nP57K7Bs
Response from the Public
People replied with a common message. The story couldn’t end there. They wanted to hear more about the dasher. They hoped he would end up at a game.
DoorDash wanted to see that happen, too. They reached out to me. I helped connect them with Gilbert.
Gilbert Attends His First Game
On Sunday, with the help of DoorDash, Gilbert finally got to attend his first game. He saw a thrilling one, too.
DoorDash driver and Philadelphia Eagles fan Gilbert Williams attended his first NFL game on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025.
DoorDash
The Game
The Eagles beat the Los Angeles Rams, 33-26, after Jordan Davis blocked a potential game-winning field goal for the Rams and took it all the way back for a touchdown.
Gilbert snapped a photo after the win, wearing the same Eagles jersey I saw him wearing when he dropped off my Popeyes.
“I’m always talking with customers and throwing in a ‘Go Birds’ on deliveries, but I never thought it would land me at an Eagles game,” Gilbert said, via DoorDash. “I keep dashing to help my family and save to open a car business. Big thanks to DoorDash for making this game day memorable for a Philly Dasher.”
Conclusion
Now, whenever I get caught in a lack of perspective about this dream job, I’ll think of Gilbert.
Find more Cowboys coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
FAQs
Q: Who is Gilbert Williams?
A: Gilbert Williams is a DoorDash driver and Philadelphia Eagles fan who had never been to an NFL game before.
Q: How did Gilbert attend his first NFL game?
A: Gilbert attended his first NFL game with the help of DoorDash, after his story was shared on social media.
Q: What was the outcome of the game Gilbert attended?
A: The Eagles beat the Los Angeles Rams, 33-26, after Jordan Davis blocked a potential game-winning field goal for the Rams and took it all the way back for a touchdown.
Q: What did Gilbert say about his experience?
A: Gilbert said, via DoorDash, “I’m always talking with customers and throwing in a ‘Go Birds’ on deliveries, but I never thought it would land me at an Eagles game. I keep dashing to help my family and save to open a car business. Big thanks to DoorDash for making this game day memorable for a Philly Dasher.”
