All three are veterans on a new team with the same mindset: To play the very best football they are capable of playing, to help the Philadelphia Eagles in every way possible, and to establish once again some on-field glory and move their careers forward.
Don't let the setback be bigger than the comeback.
In the case of cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, it isn't a "comeback." It's a "Return To Zay," as he terms it after a year-long absence from the game after he violated the NFL's gambling policy last year as a member of the Indianapolis Colts.
In the case of offensive lineman Mekhi Becton, this is a chance to establish some consistency in a career with the New York Jets marred by injuries and three offensive line coaches in four seasons.
In the case of linebacker Devin White, it's a chance to manifest his destiny, his vision of once again playing like a Pro Bowl-playmaking ballhawk free of injury, displaying high emotion and an ear-to-ear smile demonstrating his complete joy of being a Philadelphia Eagle.
All three players are examples of the Eagles' aggressive, creative route to building their 2024 roster. The Eagles signed Rodgers in 2023 after his suspension and subsequent release from the Colts, knowing he wouldn't play all of last season and that his future was in doubt. White was added early in the 2024 NFL free agency period and Becton joined the roster in the post-NFL Draft period.
And here they are, taking nothing for granted as they fight for roster spots and, hopefully, a whole lot more.
"I believe that if you want something, you've got to talk about it, you gotta put it down on paper, you've got to see it, and you have to go get it," said White, who has had a months-long text chain with quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver A.J. Brown about that very thing as he send his longtime friends a text with an empty glass and since the three of them have shared team goals to put in that glass. "I also believe in God. He takes you though all of the battles – He brings you through them if you keep the faith. I have a clear understanding of what I want, and that's just overall happiness. Being here, being happy, and having fun playing the game that I love. I know I can play this game at a high level because I've done that. I'm here to show that and prove that.
"At one time, I was considered one of the best linebackers in the NFL. I want to get back to that point and have people say, 'We have to play against Devin White and the Philadelphia Eagles defense this week and to win, we have to bring it.' That's what I want to get back to."
It's quite a bit different for Becton, the 11th overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft for New York. He had his ups and downs with the Jets and last year had 16 starts (14 at left tackle, 2 at right tackle) and seemed to be on an upward trajectory after injuries and circumstances stunted his growth. But he was still on the streets in free agency when the NFL Draft ended and the Eagles signed him to a one-year deal on the Monday following the big weekend.
He is here taking reps at both guard and tackle and is, as he talks about it with a glow, feeling very much like this is the place and the right situation for him.
"I'm 25 years old. I'm in my prime seasons and I'm ecstatic being here," he said. "This group, our offensive line room, it's the best I've ever been around. Coach Stout (Jeff Stoutland, run game coordinator/offensive line coach), is second to none. He gives you everything he has. He loves you. He wants you to be the best you can be and you can feel that as a player and I'm feeling that.
"Stout is very supportive and he knows how to get you to do what he wants. Your position coach is so important to how you develop. He has me taking reps at guard and at tackle and that makes my brain feel like it's in a tennis match right now, but it's cool. I'm learning everything I can learn. My job is to be ready. I don't see this as a comeback, because I played last year. I almost see it as an 'I-told-you-so type of thing. You shouldn't have counted me out.' I had some unfortunate things happen in my career, but I'm looking ahead and I'm going to take advantage of this situation. I feel great."
For Rodgers, it is very much a comeback and he's embracing that aspect of a second chance at his NFL life. He learned long ago – specifically in his rookie year with the Colts when he recorded interceptions on back-to-back snaps in a playoff game against Buffalo, only to have both plays called back because of penalty – to appreciate every chance and every snap on the field.
What's happening now is a blessing for Rodgers and he's treating it that way.
"This is fun and it's probably the best cornerback room anywhere taking into consideration everything," Rodgers said. "We all support each other and bring out the best in each other. We're all hungry. We all have a lot to prove, and I understand that. This is the best of the best. For me, after taking a year off, I'm trying to be better than I've ever been and I honestly won't know until after the pads go on and I see how the physical side goes.
"We practice at the stadium (Lincoln Financial Field) on August 1 and I can't wait to run out of the tunnel. That's going to be a moment for me. That tunnel gets me going. This is my second chance. I've always had this slogan: Never let your head down unless you're praying. I have it on a wristband when I'm playing and that motivates me. Everything I'm doing, I'm doing a little better – studying, details, the love. I have a second chance in my career and I'm going to make the most of it."
