Donovan McNabb returns for grand opening of DraftKings Sportsbook Lounge at del Lago

Perhaps the most electrifying football player to ever star at Syracuse University, at least in recent memory, was back in familiar territory on Friday afternoon.

The former Orange quarterback helped cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the DraftKings Sportsbook Lounge at del Lago Resort & Casino.

Sports gambling has grown across New York State after a recent bill was passed in Albany, allowing sportsbook lounges to open at casinos across the Empire State.

We've already seen sportsbook lounges open at Turning Stone Resort-Casino, along with Point Place in Bridgeport.

A sportsbook lounge is on its way to Yellow Brick Road Casino in Chittenango as well.

It may just be the fastest growing part of American casinos, arriving close to home at the now each and every one in Central New York.

McNabb's arrival in Central New York was a special event, though. It's not everyday one of the program's top players returns to the same region where his fame began to flourish.

The six-time NFL Pro Bowler and former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback addressed the crowd at del Lago, immediately addressing his love for his alma mater.

"First and foremost, where are my Syracuse Orange fans at?" McNabb asked the crowd at del Lago, resulting in a loud ovation. "You know it's football season and we'll get this thing started off. I'm excited about this year and what we'll present. I think we'll have a wonderful season, and I think we'll knock Clemson off one more time. Make sure that we cheer on our Syracuse Orange to start out -- yes, very soon."

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McNabb returned to the Carrier Dome last year for the Florida State game, drawing cheers from the crowd after the University recognized the 20-year anniversary of the 1998 Syracuse football team's 8-4 season, resulting in a Orange Bowl loss to Florida.