Fan-favorite #AskAnEagle is back for the 2013 NFL Season. The @Eagles are giving fans a chance to interview their favorite players in the weeks leading up to home games at Lincoln Financial Field. This week's Twitter Takeover features 2012 rookie standout Mychal Kendricks. Get to know one of the second-year linebacker before he tackles your questions today after practice around 1 PM.
Twitter: @MychalKendricks Instagram: @mykeyk
Strong Start: Philadelphia selected Mychal Kendricks in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft, and the playmaking linebacker from Cal quickly found a starting spot on the Eagles defense. In his rookie campaign, Kendricks finished third on the team in tackles (88) and notched his first career sack against division rival Dallas Cowboys and quarterback Tony Romo.
As the defense spent the offseason transitioning into a hybrid formation under new defensive coordinator Bill Davis, Kendricks aimed to carry the momentum from his rookie year into 2013.
"I enjoy pushing myself and seeing what I can accomplish, so to come off a first year, I did some good things and understand there are things I need to improve," said Kendricks. "I've really enjoyed the (new) defense. It's fast and it's a lot different from what we ran last year. We have to make more plays and force more turnovers and get to the quarterback. I look at it like I want to be the one to make those plays. My goal is to take my game to a new level."
The sophomore linebacker did just that during the Eagles' Monday night win over division rival Washington. In his season debut, Kendricks notched 10 tackles, good for Monday night's team high as well as a career high for Kendricks.
"You saw the other night, the burst he has in his pressures," Davis said. "His knack for (our defensive formations) is very exciting."
Football is back at @LFFStadium this Sunday, and @MychalKendricks & the #Eagles are already taking over Philadelphia. pic.twitter.com/sVixzDenXV — Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 10, 2013
Larger Than Life: Although he is just kicking off his NFL career with the Eagles, Kendricks has quickly become a fan-favorite in Philadelphia. From starring in the Week 1 splash page animation to receiving his very own photo cutout in JFK Plaza next to the LOVE statue, the California kid is excited to find a home on the East Coast.
"I feel honored that they chose me," Kendricks said. "That's telling me that they're looking at me to be something, and I have to do just that. It's just more initiative to do my job."
Philadelphia Football is a Family Affair: Kendricks may have been born and raised in Fresno, Calif., but he's been repping Eagles from day one. His father, Marvin Kendricks, was on the Eagles Training Camp roster in 1972 after playing football at UCLA, where he led the Bruins in rushing twice in 1970 and 1971.
"My dad was so happy the day I got drafted here because the Eagles were his team," the current Eagle said. "He followed them all the time when I was growing up. It was a dream come true for the both of us."
Marvin and Mychal aren't the only two Kendricks to find success in football. Kendricks' three brothers all played or currently play college football as well. Older brothers Chad and Terence played at Sacramento State and Fresno State, respectively, and younger brother Eric is currently a sophomore inside linebacker at UCLA.
