Temple student starts petition for pope to bless Bradford's knees

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Pratik Patel is a guy who loves his Philadelphia sports teams, especially the Eagles.

"There's something about that green, there's something about this team," Patel said.

He says he's been a fan from the day he was born.

"Whether they're going to a 4-12 season or a 10-6 playoff run, I will be watching every game," Patel said.

He is so dedicated to his beloved team, he is reaching out - or up - to a higher power.

The 22-year-old Temple University student has a request for Pope Francis when he comes to Philadelphia next month - a request that is now online for the world to see.

Patel's request on the website Change.org is to have the pope bless the knees of Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford.

Bradford has torn the ACL in his left knee twice and he hasn't played in a regular-season NFL game since October 2013.

Now some Eagles fans would like some divine intervention to help Bradford stay healthy and, of course, lead the team to the big game in February.

"We are a city that deserves a Super Bowl. We are a city that deserve another championship. I think he would understand that. The pope has a Twitter. You don't hear about popes having Twitters. He seems like a pretty cool guy," Patel said.

As for Bradford, he didn't know fans had started such a petition, but once he got wind of it, the QB wasn't against it.

"If I got to meet the pope, I think that would be pretty cool. If he wanted to bless my knees, I'm all for it, I guess," Bradford said.

The petition continues to get clicks online, growing by the thousands.

Patel hopes his online wish blossoms into an actual miracle.

"Keep sharing, keep talking, keep cheering, let's go, let's take this until September 26th and let's get the pope to bless Sam Bradford's knees," Patel said.

People from Alaska and as far away as Pakistan have signed this petition.

Patel hopes the Eagles will get behind it too.

He's even hoping Mayor Michael Nutter will get in on his #BradfordPope request.

"We are a town of the most diehard, the most passionate sports base in the world and if [the pope] could help us out, that would mean the world. I would buy him a cheesesteak, we'd probably go to Geno's," Patel said.

LINK: Have Pope Francis Bless Sam Bradford's Knees Petition