The Philadelphia Eagles spent the summer building their initial 53-man roster, but some of the organization's most interesting stories can now be found on their 17-man practice squad. For many fans, these players are little more than names on a transaction wire.
In reality, they represent a collection of unique journeys, unlikely paths, and memorable experiences that helped them reach the NFL. Some overcame extraordinary obstacles. Others took unconventional routes through college football. One owns a pet alligator. An NFL scout discovered another after sprinting through an airport terminal.
Here are some fun facts you may not know about every member of Philadelphia's initial practice squad.
Danny Gray, wide receiver
Danny Gray's football journey nearly stalled before it
truly began. As a freshman in high school, he missed significant time on the field because he stayed home to help care for his younger siblings while his mother worked 16-hour nursing shifts. He eventually became one of the fastest players in the country, winning a Texas state track title. Years later, he'd run a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
Kiran Amegadjie, offensive tackle
Kiran Amegadjie's path to the NFL sounds like something out of a movie. While rushing through O'Hare International Airport after realizing he was at the wrong gate, he was spotted by aChicago Bears scout sitting outside a Chili's restaurant. The chance encounter helped place him on the Bears' radar ahead of the draft.
Robert Longerbeam, cornerback
Robert Longerbeam nearly played his college football for the Temple Owls before Greg Schiano's return to theRutgers Scarlet Knights convinced him to stay in the Big Ten. His elite speed helped validate that decision. He ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and credits much of that natural explosiveness to his mother, a former record-setting track athlete.
Uar Bernard, defensive tackle
Before football, Uar Bernard trained beneath what his coaches called "The Legendary Tree" in Abuja, Nigeria. Without access to modern training facilities, he spent years working in a sandpit and running up and down dirt hills while chasing his dream of becoming a professional athlete.
Chance Campbell, linebacker
Chance Campbell's perseverance is remarkable. After missing his rookie season with a knee injury, suffering a freak pregame injury the following year and tearing his ACL during the 2024 preseason, he somehow continues finding opportunities to extend his NFL career. He played college football in two of the elite conferences, the Big Ten (Maryland Terrapins) and the SEC (Ole Miss Rebels).
Britain Covey, wide receiver/punt returner
Britain Covey comes from a famous family. His grandfather is Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. One of the lessons Britain still carries is his grandfather's advice to build on strengths and make weaknesses irrelevant.
Gabe Hall, defensive tackle
Gabe Hall already owns something many NFL veterans never achieve: a Super Bowl ring. Despite spending his rookie season developing on Philadelphia's practice squad, he was part of the Eagles' championship team and received a ring after the victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Keyshawn James-Newby, outside linebacker
James-Newby's journey covered three schools and six college seasons. Perhaps the most unusual chapter came when he had to recruit himself by sending direct messages to coaches because he didn't have access to the traditional transfer portal process.
Jake Majors, center/guard
Jake Majors wasn't just chasing football success during his time with the Texas Longhorns. He chose the Longhorns partly because he dreamed of earning a degree from the prestigious McCombs School of Business. He graduated with a 3.65 GPA while becoming the most experienced starter in school history.
John Ojukwu, offensive tackle
John Ojukwu's accomplishments extended well beyond the football field. In high school, he lettered in football, wrestling, and track & field. The longtimeBoise State Broncos standout was named a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, often referred to as the "Academic Heisman."
Dameon Pierce, running back
Few college touchdowns were more memorable than Dameon Pierce's score against the Florida State Seminoles. After having his helmet ripped off during the play, he kept running and bulldozed his way into the end zone anyway.
Maximus Pulley, safety
Maximus Pulley's football career began as a walk-on tryout. Years later, he transformed himself into an FCS All-American and one of the more intriguing defensive backs in Philadelphia's camp.
Mason Reiger, outside linebacker
Doctors once advised Mason Reiger to retire after a devastating leg injury sidelined him for 18 months. Instead, he transferred to the Wisconsin Badgers, revived his career, and eventually earned Defensive MVP honors at the East-West Shrine Bowl.
Carson Steele, running back
Carson Steele is famous for one reason above all others. He owns a pet alligator named 'Crocky-J'. What began as a childhood Christmas gift eventually turned into one of the NFL's most unusual pet stories.
Joshua Weru, outside linebacker
Before pursuing football, Joshua Weru was a professional rugby player and represented Kenya internationally. He walked away from that career to chase an NFL dream through the International Player Pathway Program.
Cole Wisniewski, safety
Cole Wisniewski once filled in as his high school's mascot when needed. Years later, he reinvented himself as a safety and eventually led the entire FCS with eight interceptions.
Jaydon Blue, running back
Jaydon Blue made one of the most unusual decisions of any elite recruit in recent memory. He opted out of his entire senior season of high school football, choosing instead to focus on training and preparing for the next stage of his career.
The Eagles hope several of these players eventually become contributors at the NFL level. Whether that happens remains to be seen.
What is already clear is that Philadelphia's practice squad features far more than developmental talent. It includes future business people, former rugby stars, academic standouts, comeback stories, family-first leaders, and at least one alligator owner. That's not a bad collection of personalities to keep around the building.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Fun facts you may not know about every Eagles practice squad member
