Sports
Behind the Scenes of Eagles Equipment Prep
Greg Delimitros is hard at work getting everything ready for the Eagles. He pulls out a big laminated calendar and starts planning. This isn’t about game plays; he’s focused on making sure all the players have the right equipment as the preseason approaches.
“Let’s see,” Delimitros says, sitting in the equipment area at the NovaCare Complex locker room. “We’re trying to stay two weeks ahead. Right now, we’re preparing for our first preseason game and organizing a practice at the stadium. Plus, Liverpool is using our locker room while they get ready for a friendly match against Arsenal.”
The team is also prepping for a game in Baltimore and then another trip to New England for joint practices and a preseason game. On top of that, there’s a big project: a trip to Brazil! Delimitros and his team need to send around 35,000 pounds of equipment ahead of time, making sure everything is documented and organized for the cargo plane.
This Brazil project isn’t a last-minute thing. The planning began back in April when a few Eagles players went down there to set everything up.
Delimitros has been with the Eagles for 21 seasons, bringing a wealth of experience to the table. His team consists of four full-time staff and around twelve additional members just for Training Camp. The workload is extensive — helmets to maintain, shoulder pads to perfect, uniforms to wash, and shoes that need to be fitted just right.
“Training Camp is really go time for us,” Delimitros explains. His days are long, often stretching from 7 AM to nearly 9 PM. “The key to success is organization and communication. The players trust us, and we’re here to give them the facts.”
In today’s game, equipment is high-tech with GPS in shoulder pads, RFID chips in helmets, and shoes that track performance data. Delimitros makes sure players understand how to stay light and fast while also being safe.
Players want to look and feel good, which is where Delimitros and his hard-working staff come in. After games, the players return to their locker room, which needs to feel like a home away from home.
The demands of this role are significant, but Delimitros and his team embrace it. They were even recognized in 2019 as the New Era NFC Equipment Staff of the Year. “We have a great group of dedicated people,” he shares. “Our goal is simple: help the team win football games.”
For Delimitros and his staff, it’s all about being proactive and efficient. They work harmoniously behind the scenes, ensuring that everything runs smoothly for the Eagles.