Growing up in the Philadelphia region, only to enter the NFL and return to play for your hometown is something most players never achieve. But, this season, the Eagles have three players who have returned back to the City of Brotherly Love.
As the sole undefeated team in the league, each of these players has taken pride in representing their city, as they prepare for another home game in Week 8. Interestingly enough, they’re all linebackers.
NATIVE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES PLAYERS
Shaun Bradley — Mount Holly, NJ
Linebacker Shaun Bradley is a Philly guy through and through. From Mount Holly, NJ, the 25-year-old attended Temple University before the Eagles drafted him in 2020.
Through three season, Bradley has finished with 39 total tackles and one pass deflection.
He hasn’t seen much playing time this season, as he plays behind Kyzir White, another Philadelphia region native.
Haason Reddick — Camden, NJ
Haason Reddick from Camden, NJ, also began his football career at Temple University, joining as a walk-on. At Temple’s Pro Day, he was expected to be a first round draft pick, ranking as the best linebacker by ESPN.
The Arizona Cardinals selected him in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, Reddick finished with 36 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. After the Cardinals denied his fifth-year option, he signed with the Carolina Panthers, reuniting with Matt Rhule, his coach at Temple.
The Eagles signed him this past offseason, and throughout six weeks, he’s already become a huge asset to the team. He has 14 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Reddick also earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week after Philadelphia’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Kyzir White — Macungie, PA
White grew up in Macungie, PA, eventually committing to West Virginia. He began his professional career in Los Angeles for the Chargers in 2018, becoming the team’s leading tackler with 144 tackles during the 2021 season.
The linebacker grew up an Eagles fan (despite a family obsessed with the Cowboys), returning to Philadelphia when the team signed him in 2022 to a one-year contract. Given his success this season, he will likely land an extension. Through six games, White has 23 total tackles and become one of the best players in pass coverage.
All three players will now return off of their bye week to play the Pittsburgh Steelers. The game will kick off at 1 PM on Sunday, October 30.
