Philadelphia Eagles safety Andrew Mukuba visited Octorara Junior-Senior High School on April 10 to speak with students about his journey to the NFL and about leadership, resilience and acceptance.

The event, a collaboration between the Eagles Autism Foundation, the Parkesburg POINT and JB Sports Ventures, saw students from Octorara Intermediate School and Octorara Middle School have the opportunity to learn about Mukuba's upbringing and ask the professional football player questions.

Mukuba, a rookie with the Eagles last season, was born in Zimbabwe; his parents were refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His family immigrated to Texas after being granted asylum by the United States when Andrew was 10 years old.

Spending his early years in Africa, Mukuba was more used to what the world defines as "football." His early years stateside weren't easy, but football helped him stay steady - and let him hit people, he said.

"It was really difficult for me, speaking English and making friends," Mukuba said. "To make it to today, I had to make it past some barriers."

Mukuba played three years at Clemson before transferring to play for his adopted home state of Texas. He was drafted by the Eagles in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

He described his sophomore year of college football as one of the hardest times in his career.

"I was playing the worst football of my life," he said. "You've got to pat yourself on the back when you get out of a tough situation."

At the Octorara event, Mukuba led students through countless deafening "E-A-G-L-E-S" chants, one of which he was met with when he entered the high school's auditorium.

The player spoke for about 20 minutes before hand-selecting students to come up on the stage and ask him questions. After answering questions, he gave autographs to students who brought merchandise and posed for photos with students and teachers alike.

"You guys are some of their strongest fans," said Dwayne Walton, executive director of the POINT. "Thank you so much to everyone and the school administration for allowing us to be here."

Founded in 2003, the POINT serves youths and families across western Chester County by providing a safe, supportive environment through academic, recreational and faith-based programming. The organization, located at 700 Main St., Parkesburg, is dedicated to helping young people develop confidence, leadership skills and a path toward long-term success.

Mukuba noted that it was his first time speaking in front of a group of students. He also traveled to Reeceville Elementary School in Coatesville later in the afternoon on April 10. JB Sports Ventures said that his Coatesville visit was themed around kindness, teamwork and the importance of being patient and supportive of classmates who learn and communicate differently.

The player left students with the message of "trusting God and working hard," telling them to never give up on the dreams they believe in.