As the team entered its fourth day of Training Camp, the newest Eagle, Orlando Scandrick, began his first session as part of the group. The 12-year veteran cornerback headed out to the practice field with a sense of urgency. The 32-year-old has been craving this type of environment since his short stint in Kansas City ended last season.
"It felt great," Scandrick said about getting back on the field. "I haven't played football in a while, competitively. I've trained and I'm in shape, but just to get back in football shape and just get back around the game to me has become like an addiction."
The Boise State alum is used to being productive and a part of the action. He spent his first 10 seasons in the league with the Dallas Cowboys before signing with Kansas City last year following a brief stint with Washington. Scandrick has recorded 435 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, and nine interceptions in 140 career regular-season games.
Scandrick's familiarity with the NFC East does not stop at his former connection to the Cowboys. He has known wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who enters his ninth season in the division, since the two of them were 7 years old. He recalled the multiple matchups the pair encountered from Pop Warner to the NFL. Due to their past, Jackson's input was crucial to Scandrick's decision to come to Philadelphia.
"Great friends since childhood," Scandrick said. "So, when this was coming down, we kind of talked about it. I stressed that I would like to play with him. We have never got the chance to play together and we've known each other since we were 7, 8 years old. I'm really looking forward to that."
Jackson knows the talent and experience Scandrick can bring to this team from a defensive perspective. He is excited to face him in practice and finally be on the same team.
"I talked to him the day he was coming in for a workout," Jackson said. "He called me and asked me, 'Should I come?' (I said) it would be a good opportunity for you to come play on this defense. I think our defense flies around and has a lot of players with a lot of experience. So, to add his experience to what we already have, it's going to be good."
Scandrick worked with the second-team defense as the nickel cornerback. He had a nice pass breakup on a ball intended for wide receiver Greg Ward during a 7-on-7 period. After a successful first practice, Scandrick is ready to prove to the City of Brotherly Love that he is dedicated to the team's goal of winning. He admires everything the Eagles stand for and is eager to add his skill and input.
"I think it is a great opportunity," Scandrick said. "It's definitely a blessing. They have a great thing going here. They've won a lot of games over the past few years. They have great coaches, great players. It's a great organization. I'm really happy to be here."
