The Philadelphia Eagles never get the league recognition they deserve, so why would their players be any different?
But, despite the minimal approach critics are using to describe Haason Reddick, the linebacker is one of the best in the NFL this season. Leading the league with sacks (16) and forced fumbles (5), he is the only player with more than 14 and five, respectively.
HAASON REDDICK: PHILLY NATIVE MAKING IT BIG IN THE CITY
Reddick began his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals, selected in the first round in 2017. In 2018, he more than doubled his stats from the previous season, completing 80 total tackles in 16 games. Despite a career-high 12.5 sacks in 2020, the Cardinals declined their fifth-year option on Reddick, making him a free agent.
The following year, he signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers, playing a nearly identical season. Reddick finished with 68 total tackles, 11 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery for 22 yards.
After his one-year gig was up, Reddick returned home to Philadelphia, joining the Eagles, and he’s having one hell of a season. With 48 total tackles (34 solo), Reddick has 16 sacks and five forced fumbles, ranking first in the league. He is also the first player in NFL history to have double digit sacks for three consecutive years for three different times.
Reddick also adds three fumble recoveries, 23 quarterback hits, and has an overall 80.7 grade by Pro Football Focus this season. 2022 also marks his first Pro Bowl selection, becoming one of two defensive players from the No. 2 ranked defense to be chosen.
Fitting that his best career season would be in his hometown.
Back in October, Reddick stated, “Just never give up. It’s so Philadelphia when you think about it, right? Underdog story, being overlooked, having grit, continuing to push through, all the ups and downs.”
Recently, the linebacker made history with three of his teammates, Sweat, Hargrave, and Graham as the Eagles became the only team to have four players with 10(+) sacks.
With one more regular-season game to go, Philly fans will likely see more of Reddick, as the Eagles will not be able to sit their starters in an effort to gain the No. 1 seed in the league.
