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Third-grader Bobby Cox of the city's Overbrook section got the surprise of his life a day early yesterday, when word leaked out that Donovan McNabb would be visiting his house and his school this morning.

Bobby was picked as part of JC Penney contest in partnership with the NFL.

I'm here at the school ... waiting for McNabb to arrive at the school.

Bobby won for the Philadelphia market, and the NFL picks the player. "McNabb has been so supportive," said Robin Caldwell, director of community relations and afterschool for JC Penney. She's here at the school along with school workers, media folks.

He's on his way, we're told.

McNabb arrives ... in a big black limo ... a passing driver yells, "Yo, Donovan!" ... He slowly gets out of the limo, not exactly hobbling but clearly being careful with his rehabbing knee.e

Because Bobby's class is on the third floor, the meeting with them has been moved to the first floor.

In classroom off the hall, little kids break into an enthusiastic "Fly Eagles Fly,"

McNabb fends off ESPN's questions with his usual deftness ... we can't hear the questions, but clearly he's asked about Jeff Garcia because McNabb talks of being friends and not wanting to get into side issues.

It's kind of a straightforward, perfunctary deal .... and when Bobby gets his moment, well, he can hardly speak.

Afterward the TV cameras go off, Bobby's mother says he's been kind of speechless all morning. Overwhelmed and "ecstatic." By meeting his favorite player.

A big pack of kids files into the room where the interview was held. Under an arch of green and silver balloons is a table with Cat in the Hat hats with Eagles logos.They crowd in, so quiet and well-behaved, and sing songs and chant a speech about destiny and walking tall and proud.

McNabb gives a great, heartfelt speech that really talks to the kids. About how he was the class clown and got in his share of trouble in school. Detentions. Interestingly, he talks about how he'd like to be a broadcaster someday and makes some crack about getting to be on the other side of the criticism.

Got video of the speech. It'll be up later on philly.com. Well worth seeing.

Mini interview with a student: Shakara White, 8: "He's a good football player! I think he's going to take them to the Super Bowl!"

Gotta be something green for the Eagles, right? And Dr. Seuss' birthday
was this week, so what could be more perfect than Green Eggs and Ham?

Running of battery now, so that's it for now. Will have video up on philly.com by lunchtime, I hope.

After reading the book, McNabb asked the kids about Bobby. Is he always this calm? No. Is he funny? Yes. Is he smart? Yes. Does he help you guys in school? Yes.

When McNabb answered kids questions, Bobby had one about draft day. McNabb simply said it was one of the most important days of his life, and he was proud to be there with his parents. Not a word about the infamous greeting he got from a sortie of yahoo fans, who rained on his parade (even if it was the organization they were booing, for not picking some running back).

After it was all done, Bobby was still quite in awe. He said he saw the ad on TV for the contest, and he and his mom went to Penneys and signed up. How did he feel? "Happy." And "good."