On April 28, 2012, Vinny Curry walked into the NovaCare Complex for the first time as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.
It was a special day for the Neptune, New Jersey native and lifelong Eagles fan who was just selected the previous day in the second round of the NFL Draft. That day was made unforgettable when he got to meet Brian Dawkins, who was in the building to sign a one-day contract and retire an Eagle.
Nearly seven years later, Curry entered the team's facility for the first day of his second stint as an Eagle, as he returned on a one-year deal Thursday. A seven-pound, sterling silver reminder of what happened the last time Curry donned an Eagles uniform was sitting in a display case in the lobby of the NovaCare Complex.
On February 4, 2018, Curry helped deliver the first Lombardi Trophy in franchise history. It was the culmination of a six-year journey for Curry, who made the transition from role player to full-time starter in that Super Bowl season.
"That thing gave me the chills," Curry said on Thursday of seeing the crown jewel. "You just feel everything that you felt on that day. To understand what it means to feel that, it makes you that much hungrier and you wish the season was right around the corner."
Curry spent the 2018 season with Tampa Bay. A high-ankle sprain limited him on the field, and the Buccaneers decided to part ways after one year. Curry was productive in 2017 for the Eagles, posting career highs in combined quarterback pressures and hits (41) and tackles for loss (13). There was a strong demand for Curry's services on the free agent market, but the chance to come back to where it all started was too good to pass up.
"At the end of the day, I'm just happy. I'm just happy to be back. I'm excited to be back," Curry said. "I can't wait to be out there with the guys."
Curry, who will turn 31 in June, joins a defensive end rotation that features recently re-signed Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett, Chris Long – who is under contract but is still pondering his future, Josh Sweat, Daeshon Hall, and Joe Ostman. The depth along the defensive line was a hallmark of the Eagles' championship run, and Curry's return helps fortify the position heading into the draft.
"I'm here to help out the best way I can," said Curry, who hopes to get No. 75 back from Sweat. "I'm excited to be back in that room."
