Reed Blankenship, the Philadelphia Eagles' safety, exemplifies the underdog spirit, having made a name for himself as an undrafted rookie free agent who fought his way onto the 53-man roster. His journey reflects a familiar narrative as the Eagles may be experiencing a similar rise with Andre' Sam, who also went undrafted and shares Blankenship's tenacity. Sam, now on the active roster, made his NFL debut in a game against the Carolina Panthers, contributing his first tackle and joining Blankenship in celebrating their Super Bowl victory last February. Both players embody the determination and grit that define the Eagles' defense.

The Philadelphia Eagles' secondary has undergone a significant transformation following the departures of veterans Darius Slay and C.J. Gardner-Johnson, leading to the emergence of a notably younger defensive backfield. Among the new faces are promising talents like Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and Kelee Ringo, who are stepping into crucial roles. Reed Blankenship, a former undrafted safety who has solidified his position as a starter, is now the most seasoned player in the secondary at just 26 years old. As he enters the final year of his rookie contract, a contract extension appears imminent, reflecting his growth and importance to the team's defense.

The Philadelphia Eagles' secondary faces a pivotal transformation following the departures of stalwarts Darius Slay and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. With these changes, Reed Blankenship is stepping up as the new leader of a younger, yet promising, defensive backfield. Coming off a successful Super Bowl campaign, Blankenship has garnered respect for his leadership abilities, highlighted by endorsements from Slay, who praised Blankenship's potential to guide the group effectively.

As the Eagles integrate new talents, including second-round draft pick Andrew Mukuba, Blankenship emphasizes the need for mentorship and support, aiming to cultivate an identity that reflects the grit and edge once provided by Gardner-Johnson. Coming into the last year of his contract, Blankenship's performance will be crucial as he leads this evolving unit while hoping to secure his legacy in Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia Eagles are entering a season filled with uncertainty in the safety position following the trade of C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans. This pivotal shift has paved the way for a fierce competition to determine who will start opposite Reed Blankenship. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio highlighted the contest involving Sydney Brown, rookie Andrew Mukuba, and Tristin McCollum. Recently, he mentioned Cooper DeJean as a notable contender in this battle.

Saquon Barkley, the Philadelphia Eagles' standout running back, boldly declared on the "Exciting Mics" podcast that the Eagles' 2024-2025 Super Bowl-winning team ranks among the greatest in NFL history. He emphasized the team's performance, stating they should be considered a top-five franchise. Barkley highlighted that aside from a rough start in the first four games, the Eagles exhibited dominance, culminating in their impressive championship victory.

Barkley's confidence was backed by the team's overall strength and unity, suggesting a level of excellence that surpasses many historical benchmarks. His teammates, Cooper DeJean and Reed Blankenship, co-hosts of the podcast, added to the discussion about the legacy they hope to establish. The Eagles' combination of talent, strategic acumen, and resilience has set a high bar for future teams.