Eagles WR Darius Cooper and Miss Pa. meet with family of slain trooper

It was a fun Friday for hundreds of students at Brandywine Wallace Elementary School in Downingtown, Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Darius Cooper and Miss Pennsylvania Victoria Vespico visited the school to speak with the children about the power of kindness and acceptance as part of Autism Acceptance Month.

“It was so exciting. It was just a blessing to be out here with the kids,” Cooper said. “They put a smile on my face.”

Cooper also put smiles on the faces of the family of Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy O’Connor Jr., who was killed in the line of duty back in March. Cooper and Vespico met with O’Connor’s two children, Casey and Kenzie, as well as his widow, Casey, before Friday’s assembly.

Casey described her husband as an Eagles fan and even said “Go Birds,” while speaking during his funeral. She told NBC10 on Friday that her family was thrilled to meet Cooper.

“We grew up going to the Vet, so meeting somebody from the Philadelphia Eagles is really special and important to us,” Casey said. “Especially this time of our life.”

As she continues to mourn the loss of her husband, Casey said the support from the Eagles has meant a lot to her and her family.

“The Philadelphia Eagles have gone above and beyond, not only with this meet and greet but they actually sent us a personalized football yesterday that I got in honor of my husband,” she said. “So, it was really sweet. We’re very thankful.”

Meanwhile, for Cooper, providing a moment of comfort for the O’Connor family made a great event even greater.  

“It always feels great to know that you have support and have someone to pick you up when you’re down,” he said. “Today was just amazing and it really blessed my heart and blessed my soul.”