Cornerback Ellis Hobbs wasn't surprised that he was traded. He's just happy that it was to the Eagles.
"If you want to go somewhere, you want to go to a team that's had past success,"" Hobbs said on a conference call Sunday. ""As many times as these guys have been right there at the pinnacle, where they haven't got it, but they're right there so that they are missing that one key piece or two key pieces or that one play. I'm definitely excited to get to a team like that where you don't feel like you're going into a losing situation. You're going to a place where these guys know how to win. All you have to do is jump in line and continue to do your thing and be successful with them."
Hobbs was acquired by the Eagles from the New England Patriots for a pair of 2009 fifth-round draft picks - the 137th and 141st overall selections. A third-round pick out of Iowa State in 2005, Hobbs has recorded nine interceptions and 2.5 sacks in his career. He's started in every game over the past two seasons, but has not been given any indication as to what role he will have here although he is aware that Sheldon Brown is not happy with his contract.
The 5-9, 195-pound Hobbs is in the last year of his contract. The Patriots signed Shawn Springs in the off-season and drafted Darius Butler in the second round out of Connecticut which made Hobbs expendable. Photo Gallery : Ellis Hobbs
In addition to his skills at cornerback, Hobbs is a dynamic kickoff return man. He has returned a kickoff for a touchdown in each of the past three seasons. In the season opener against the Jets in 2007, Hobbs returned a kickoff 108 yards for a touchdown which stands as the longest in NFL history.
Hobbs is willing to do whatever it takes to help the Eagles win whether it's at cornerback or at returner.
"Nobody wants a paper champ. These guys have seen me. The coaches said every time I'm on film there I am showing up in the film," Hobbs said. "I've proved myself enough in this league that I can remain at a position and do my thing in the NFL, but I definitely haven't done enough to be out there as a player where I'm just that guy and that's where I want to get to. I definitely want to make this my home."
