Philadelphia Eagles: 5 Things Owner Jeffrey Lurie Wants for His 60th Birthday

September 8 marks Philadelphia Eagles team owner Jeffrey Lurie’s 60^th birthday.

With a massive fortune and an NFL team reportedly worth over $1 billion, it may be hard for friends, family and players to figure out what to get Lurie for his birthday.

Here is a list of the top five things that the self-made billionaire would want to receive on his big day.

What do you get the man that has everything?

5. Michael Vick: The Movie

Two years ago, Lurie took a huge risk by singing convicted felon and quarterback Michael Vick. In that short time, Vick has apologized, regained his elite player status and signed a contract making him $100 million richer. Lurie couldn’t be happier with his big risk, big reward decision.

Lurie said in an interview, “Michael is healthy and in his prime, and I'm looking forward to having Michael for many, many years."

Did you know that the Eagles’ owner used to be in the movie business?

Lurie founded Chestnut Hill Productions in Los Angeles, California in 1985 before he dabbled in the NFL. Although only a minor success with producing commercials and some lesser-known movies, the Lurie-produced documentary entitled “Inside Job” recently won the Academy Award for best documentary. 

Everybody loves a comeback story, and Vick’s controversial tale of redemption has become a centerpiece for Eagles’ media coverage. Maybe we’ll see a Lurie-produced movie about Vick surface in the next few years.

The story practically writes itself.

4. A Short Leash for DeSean Jackson

DeSean Jackson has quickly become popular for his explosive speed and exciting playmaking ability.

His landmark 2010 NFL season, with six TDs and 1,056 yards, earned him a position on the Pro Bowl squad as both a receiver and return specialist.

When it came time for the Eagles to report to training camp in early August, Jackson, under the advisement of agent Drew Rosenhaus, failed to report. Apparently DeSean was upset about not making enough money, considering that his base salary for the 2011 season falls in at around $600,000.

We may see that change in the coming days.

Regardless of what happens, Lurie just wants Jackson to behave and perform well. Hopefully a shorter leash will keep the star receiver in line this upcoming season.

3. A Brand-New Offensive Line

This offseason, the Eagles did everything they could to secure a promising future. By signing WR Steve Smith, DE Jason Babin, CB Nnamdi Asomugha, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and QB Vince Young, the franchise is certainly taking steps in the right direction.

The Philadelphia offense under Vick has the opportunity to be one of the most electrifying and proficient in the league. As long as No. 7 has enough time to make the plays, the Eagles will be fine.

However the O-line for the Eagles hasn’t been doing their job this preseason and could turn this “Dream Team” into a nightmare rather quickly. Of the potential lineman on the roster, include one player new to Philly, one new to his position and three new to the National Football League.

Money can’t buy you happiness, but it can sure buy you some better protection.

2. Vince Young to Keep His Mouth Shut

Before even taking a snap in green, backup QB Vince Young felt it was necessary to talk up his teammates going into the season. Young sat in front of reporters from all over the country and pronounced the 2011-2012 Philadelphia Eagles to be a “Dream Team.”

The only problem is that the season hasn’t even started yet.

Lurie spent much of the month answering to media outlet reporters about his newly-acquired QB’s infamous words. Lurie had this to say:

“We’re about as far from a Dream Team as you can be, we’re playing catch-up. The only Dream Team I know is the Green Bay Packers.”

Jeffrey Lurie would like nothing more than for Vince Young to keep his mouth shut, to leave this moniker behind and to have the media focus on how the Eagles are actually playing on the field instead.

If Young doesn’t comply, and with the way fellow backup QB Mike Kafka has been playing, he might have to get acquainted with another two-word phrase: third string.

1. A Trip to Indianapolis in February

I hear Indiana is beautiful in February.

That’s where Lurie wants his team to be, hopefully, as players in Super Bowl XXVI and not just as spectators.

With the money his organization spent and the players Lurie did his best to reel into Philadelphia, this may be the only satisfying outcome for Lurie and company.

Hopefully for Eagles fans, Lurie will get a front-row seat in Lucas Oil Stadium come February.