Ful-who? Fulgham. Number 13 had heads turning all across Philadelphia despite the Eagles’ Week 5 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers this past Sunday.
Now many are left wondering who he is and where he came from.
PRE-EAGLES ERA
After spending most of his childhood abroad, Travis Fulgham started his football career in high school, playing for only two years. He joined the team at Old Dominion as a walk-on, redshirting his freshman season.
Following five successful seasons, he ended his collegiate career with the Monarchs as second-team All-Conference USA. He finished sixth in school history with 18 receiving touchdowns and seventh in school history with 2,044 receiving yards and 128 receptions.
In the 2019 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions drafted Fulgham in the sixth round as the 184th overall pick. He endured a rocky start as he was signed, waived, and re-signed to the practice squad. Fulgham finally made his debut in December 2019 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He played in three games with no receiving yards and no receptions.
The Lions waived Fulgham a second time in August 2020, and a day later, he was picked up by the Green Bay Packers. He lasted nine days.
THE PERFECT SPOT FOR AN UNDERDOG
Fulgham had a bit of déjà vu after landing in Philadelphia. He was claimed off waivers on August 20, 2020, waived on September 3, 2020, and re-signed to the practice squad three days later.
Lucky for Philadelphia, the third time was a charm for Fulgham.
He was promoted to the active roster in Week 4 against the San Francisco 49ers.
Injuries pummeled the Eagles’ wide receivers — DeSean Jackson, Alshon Jeffery, Jalen Reagor, and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, giving Fulgham full potential to shine.
Fulgham scored his first touchdown with a 42-yard pass for the Eagles in the fourth quarter, giving Philadelphia a 17-14 lead. And better yet, it was only the second time he and Wentz worked together.
“For me, that’s a regular play. The ball’s in the air, see ball, go get it. But me and Carson, I mean, the first play we did in practice, so we just had to do the same thing again.” Travis Fulgham stated after the Eagles’ first season win.
The Eagles won against the 49ers, taking their first win of the season. They also landed their way to first place in the NFC East.
A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL
If Fulgham’s performance was missed in Week 4, it sure as heck was not missed this past Sunday.
The 25-year-old emerged in Week 5 against the Steelers with ten catches, 152 yards, and a touchdown.
His first notable play was a 20-yard pass on third-and-17 late in the first half of the game. He then caught a 31-yard reception to convert to another third down during the Eagles’ first touchdown drive of the second half. Finishing out his big day, he caught a fourth-down touchdown placing the Eagles two points behind the Steelers.
Have a DAY, @TravisFulgham!
Fulgham's TD brings the @Eagles within 2. #FlyEaglesFly
📺: #PHIvsPIT on FOX
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/BGCKhfX8uY pic.twitter.com/gX4On88jNI— NFL (@NFL) October 11, 2020
In two games, Fulgham is the Eagles leader in receiving yards (209) this season. Behind him is Greg Ward with 172 yards.
“First of all, he’s a beast. He showed up today, he showed up really last week, the two big plays he had. He’s not a fluke; he’s a baller.” Carson Wentz stated. “He made some great plays, he’s a heck of a player, and we’re going to keep building on that.”
In Week 5 alone, Fulgham is only slightly behind J.J. Arcega-Whiteside’s total career stats, which makes you wonder what the future hold for the Eagles.
Head coach Doug Pederson stated, “I do think he has the skill and ability. It was great to see again today. It’s something we have to sustain each week. He had the big catch out in San Francisco and had some big catches today, and it’s something we have to build on and get all our receivers in the position.”
After just two games on the active roster, it would seem as if Philly will continue to see Fulgham in the short-term. The Wentz-Fulgham duo may produce huge depth, but what will happen once all four injured wide receivers make their way back to the field?
Philadelphia can only hope that Travis Fulgham isn’t a one-hit-wonder.
The Eagles will host the Baltimore Ravens next Sunday for Week 6.
