Philadelphia Eagles | Rooted in Strength
ROOTED IN STRENGTH - TRAILER
FEATURED CONTENT
On what Black History Month means to him
"Something that was taught to me when I was young was to understand my history. My father made sure I was well aware of that as a kid, knowing the people who were put in place for us to be able to do the things that we're able to do, to be able to vote, for me to go out there and play the sport that I love at a high level. That's the importance of it because it's part of our history. It's American history."
On a moment when you had to be rooted in strength
"I was a senior in high school. I was going to Stanford. I was a four-star recruit. But I didn't get elected captain as a senior. That really hurt me. I realized that I didn't need to be named a captain to be a leader on that team. I went on to go to Stanford and was a two-time team captain."
On Black History Month
"It's important that we understand our history because our history leads to where we are now, which leads to where we're going to go. If we want more equitable outcomes, we have to understand where we come from."
Why is it important to highlight the strength, growth, and resilience of Black people?
"There are so many attempts to tear down the strength and resiliency of Black folks that it's important to realize exactly what we have done. You can't build a future without understanding your past and what the biases are and all of the implicit things that you might not know about if you're not educated."
Who in your life exemplifies strength?
"My father is my superhero. Just a hard-working man, blue-collar man. Honest. Integrity. Does the right thing."
On a moment when you had to be rooted in strength
"I was in college, going into my sophomore year. Engineering and football were getting hard, real hard. Classes picked up. I was getting no sleep. Essentially, I wanted to change my major. Give up in a sense. I probably would have changed my major. My mama rooted me back down and brought me back to the realization that you can do whatever you put your mind to."
Who in your life exemplifies strength?
"My mother. She raised me, my brother, my sister. Single-parent household. I just seen a woman who didn't let her kids slip through the cracks. There were a lot of things that we could have gotten into growing up. Her being able to not only steer us in the right direction, but also be there and be caring, be loving, and be that strict hand and that strict voice when we needed it. The older I get, I can see now the sacrifices she had to make and how hard it could have been on her to raise three kids in a house by herself."
On a moment when you had to be rooted in strength
"Going through the transfer process (in college). I went from a lot of people's goal, which is an Ivy League school (Cornell) and transferred to a place where I feel gave me the best opportunity to pursue my dreams. It was a hard decision fighting between what the world and everybody was saying what would help you and propel you forward in life, but it isn't what I wanted to do. Having the strength in learning to make the decision on my own, I feel like I had to be rooted in strength."
Why is it important to highlight the strength, growth, and resilience of Black people?
"I think to acknowledge the strength that it took to be taken away from their home and having to blossom in a new place that was unfamiliar to them, but just how to turn a negative into something that was so beneficial, not only for themselves, but for a lot of people that never had to experience what they experienced and I think it's beautiful and something that needs to be appreciated."
Why is it important to highlight the strength, growth, and resilience of Black people?
"It's more so about the youth. It's not so much about us and the older people. I think giving the history out to those kids and help them make better decisions with their life and continue to grow."
On Black History Month
"A lot of people came before me that did a lot of work for me to get into this position. I'm just thankful and grateful that I didn't have to go through the things that they did and just appreciative that they did go through those things for all of us to be where we are now because if they didn't, we don't know what it would be like."
Why is it important to highlight the strength, growth, and resilience of Black people?
"To highlight it is to show we can do it. We've done it before. We can do it. We just got to get everybody on the same page and get everybody together, not just Black people, but everybody."
Donavan, Jamal, Kennedy, and Miyah
Jamal
Who in your life exemplifies strength?
"My parents are my greatest example of strength. I've witnessed them at their highest and lowest points while raising me. Every day wasn't easy or perfect, but they showed up and gave their best — and they continue to do so even now. To me, their unwavering commitment embodies true strength. As they often say, 'You might not always be at your best, but you can always bring your best.'"
Miyah
Who in your life exemplifies strength?
"I would say my mother. She is probably the strongest Black woman I know. She has overcome so many things in this life, and she never let that stop her from being a joy in the lives of those around her. I've seen her overcome the sudden loss of a sister, to battling through and beating breast cancer, and now taking care of her father. She never fails to amaze me with how strong she is. She has been a light to so many and has always been a constant in my life and, to me, a perfect example of what strength is."
Kobie
On a moment when you had to be rooted in strength
"A moment in my life where I had to display strength would be when I had to make the transition from Washington, D.C./Prince George's County, Maryland to Kutztown, Pennsylvania for college. Growing up in a predominantly black community, where I only had to interact with people who looked like me, may have put me in a rare social box that I now appreciate. Being at Kutztown made me realize I did not have the same experiences as others who were at the school. Everything was simply different than what I was accustomed to. I had to remain strong and adapt to my new environment. I believe I displayed strength in the way I stuck it out and adapted at Kutztown, no matter how different it was from what I was used to."
On Black History Month
"My family has a lineage at Howard University, which is an HBCU in Washington, D.C. I have been around Black excellence my whole life. Being able to celebrate and acknowledge what I have been learning about my whole life is a great feeling. I also have family members who have made an impact on the progress of Black people. For example, in the nursing field, my great-grandmother (who is still alive), a Howard University graduate, was the first to be sent out to a white patient's house while working for the Visiting Nurses Association in D.C."
Brandy
Who in your life exemplifies strength?
"My mother, La'Vette, has been a true pillar of strength throughout my life. She has exemplified grace and determination, consistently showing me the power of overcoming obstacles without compromising one's spirit or compassion for others. Similarly, my father, Randy, has demonstrated that strength is defined by integrity, consistency, and unwavering support for loved ones. Through his actions, he showed me the value of staying grounded, working diligently, and never settling for less than I deserve. My achievements today are not solely my own; they are a direct reflection of my parents' love, sacrifices, and the invaluable lessons they imparted. Every goal I pursue and every milestone I achieve is a testament to their strength and the profound impact they've had on shaping my life. La'Vette and Randy didn't simply raise a daughter, they cultivated a legacy of resilience, love, and purpose that I carry with me in all that I do."
On Black History Month
"As an African American woman working in the NFL, Black History Month holds a profound significance for me. It's a time to celebrate the legacy, resilience, and contributions of Black people who have paved the way for opportunities I now enjoy. It reminds me that I stand on the shoulders of trailblazers who broke barriers in industries, including sports, where representation hasn't always been equitable. In a field where diversity and inclusion are still evolving, Black History Month takes on an added importance — it reaffirms the value of visibility. Representation is crucial, not just for recognition, but for creating meaningful change. Being in this space means I'm part of an ongoing legacy of progress. It inspires me to work hard, lift others as I rise, and advocate for equity and opportunity in ways that will continue to make a difference for the next generation of Black professionals in sports and beyond."
Autumn
On Black History Month
"Black History Month is important to me because it is a time to celebrate the lives and accomplishments of all of those who have come before us and give them their flowers for paving the way. It's dedicated and acknowledged time to reflect on just how far we've come. It's a time to empower the current generation to continue to push the needle in a positive direction. While we may not get to reap the benefits, I believe that by doing good and what is right in the here and now, the future generations to come will live amongst each other in nothing but love and unity becoming one like the one above wants for us."
Why is it important to highlight the strength, growth, and resilience of Black people?
"I believe it is important to highlight the strength, resilience, and growth of Black people because there were very hard, traumatic, and trying times that our ancestors had to endure and fight through. There are still residual effects that our current generation is up against as well. By highlighting the strength and resiliency of Black people, I believe it provides encouragement to keep going and to keep fighting towards a world where we are equal, we are valued, and we are awarded the same opportunities to grow, thrive, and build something special."
Shane
On a moment when you had to be rooted in strength
"A moment that I had to display strength was during the sudden passing of my father during my second semester of graduate school at the University of Florida. My dad was with me when I originally toured the campus after making the 13-hour drive to Gainesville and was the only family member who made multiple campus visits with me. We had formed an even stronger bond through the hours that we spent traveling to Florida and his excitement for me. During the time of his passing, it was really hard for me to focus on the rigors of school and I contemplated taking a break or leaving the program altogether. Where I found my strength was in the strength and support of my friends and family who encouraged me to continue and to not only finish the program, but excel in the program and to make the most of the educational opportunity. I truly believe that many people do not realize the strength that they have in themselves and the importance of having a community that can build up your strength. I went back to school after taking virtual classes for a month and persevered through to graduate with Distinction from the University of Florida."'
On Black History Month
"It's THE culture. Everything that people do is impacted or influenced in some ways by Black culture, so it's extremely important to highlight figures and people that have a great impact on how EVERYBODY lives their lives."
Paige
On Black History Month
"Starting my college journey, my interest in pursuing sports management, which is a male-dominated field, came with challenges along the way. Every year, I continued to push myself in class and activities that showed an amazing sense of strength that this was my calling and I was in the right place. As I further my professional career, it is always exciting to push the glass ceiling for women and Black women in sports."
Broklynn
Who in your life exemplifies strength?
"When I think of someone who exemplifies strength, I think of the women in my family. My Nana the matriarch, my mother, and my Godmother. My Nana, who was born in the 1940s, relocated from Louisiana to California and has lived through so many experiences just to give her children the best opportunities in life. At a time where education was not as popular for women, she decided to complete her education. At one point in time, she could not imagine what life would be like for her kids. Now, eight children later and 56 grandchildren later, me being one of them, she has inspired us all to obtain higher education."
"When I think of my mother's strength, I think of my birthing story. My mother's water broke when she was four months pregnant and had me during the fifth month of her pregnancy. The doctors prepared her for the worse, but throughout her entire short pregnancy, short pregnancy, she believed and had faith in God for the best. When I was born, my organs were not fully developed, nor was my skin. I was in the NICU for months, but my mom still believed that all would be well, and that turned out to be true because of my mother's strength and faith in God."
