Former Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Mike Boryla to Premiere One-Man Show at Plays & Players, 1/16-2/2

Plays & Players Theatre will present the world-premiere production of a new play from an old friend of Philadelphia.

Mike Boryla was the starting quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles from 1974-1976. He had everything he wanted, but he didn't want what he had. Two years later, he quit professional football and... disappeared! In a world premiere one-man show, he returns to Philadelphia for the first time in over 35 years to tell the story of walking away from the sport and the teammates he loved. With the average lifespan of a professional football player being 55 (Time Magazine, 2010), the effects of concussions are becoming ever more clear, and even our president has spoken out against its future. Should "America's Game"... disappear? A play for football fanatics and novices alike, set in the intimate Skinner Studio, The Disappearing Quarterback puts you inside the helmet of a unique athlete, a self-described "long-haired hippie," with a passionate purpose and a story to share as he returns to the city that brought him fame.

The Disappearing Quarterback features anecdotes of notable figures recognizable to any Philadelphia sports fan. They include four-time All-Pro Eagles "Roll of Honor" member, leader of the "Gang Green" defense, and pre- and post-game analyst on football Sundays, Bill Bergey; three-time Pro-Bowler, 1973 Rookie of the Year and thirteen-year veteran Charle Young; and Eagles' infamous owner (1969-1985), eccentric millionaire Leonard Tose. Other former Eagles players, coaches, and media will be in attendance on select dates.

Philadelphia has also been the center of the national firestorm surrounding concussions in professional football, serving as the location of a lawsuit of 4,500 former players that was resolved in August 2013 in a $765 million settlement. It included an agreement from the NFL to continue studying long-term effects of on-field injuries. Shortly thereafter, the in-depth documentary "League of Denial" by Frontline began making waves, claiming that NFL officials knew about the neurological dangers and did nothing to prevent them.

In conjunction with The Disappearing Quarterback,, Plays & Players will host a series of community talkbacks after select performances. These will include conversations with an array of guest experts in football, medicine, and sociology. Currently scheduled to appear are Pro Football Hall of Fame member and Philadelphia Eagles' sportscaster, Ray Didinger, Mike Benedetto of the New York State Legislature (who has sponsored a bill to ban youth football), three time Pro-Bowler Charle Young, Pro-Bowl linebacker Frank LeMaster, hometown hero Kevin Reilly, Eagles Hall of Fame Director of Ticket Services Leo Carlin, and a number of Philadelphia professors in relating fields. Visit www.playsandplayers.org for specific details.

All performances are at Plays & Players, at 1714 Delancey Place, in the third floor Skinner Studio. Please note: the historic theatre is not ADA accessible. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door for general admission. Discounted group rates of $15 for groups of 10 or more and student rates of $20 are also available. Tickets may be purchased online at www.playsandplayers.org or by phone at 866-811-4111

The Disappearing Quarterback opens on Thursday, January 16, 2014 and closes on Sunday, February 2.

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