The Eagles are in Kenny Pickett's blood.
Long before he became their backup quarterback, Pickett grew up as an Eagles fan in Ocean Township, New Jersey
And long before he was born, Pickett's father and grandfather were planning to go to the game together at Veterans Stadium.
Pickett's family is in the crowd for Sunday's game when he is one play from being on the field in his first season when he resumed his career two years later as a starter for the Steelers.
“It's very special to be here,” said the 2022 first round draft pick. “The words really can't explain that. My dad told me the Eagles fandom and we went to a lot of games. To see it, the perfect circle is pretty amazing.”
A familiar enemy
Of course, they don't play in the same meeting, but the Eagles and Chiefs are familiar enemies based on recent scheduling. They only ran off 11 times in 64 years, but have faced each other four times in the last four years, counting a 38-35 victory over the Eagles in the Super Bowl two years ago.
“What I see on tape is looking at the details, they have top-notch players. [Andy] Details of Reed and his staff. Eagles manager Nick Cirianni said: “I don't know how much I respect for it. You're ready to prepare for everything you know they have one of the greatest players of all time on their side. You need [Patrick] Mahomes and they can do it in many different ways.
“I see two very detailed and very skilled teams trying to compete with each other.”
From jets to soup
Anthony Filkers' season begins at Flowham Park and ends at the Super Bowl.
The Chiefs tight end began his Jets practice team year off after signing with the team at training camp. Firkser played in four games for the Jets, mostly on a special team. The team cut him on October 31st, and he joined the Chiefs practice team two days later. He played in three regular season games against Kansas City, but has not appeared in the playoff games.
“It was a bit crazy,” Firkser said. “I started with the Jets a little late to training camp, and I'm grateful for the opportunity, working with my old Tennessee Titan coach and working with Aaron Rodgers and Tyler Conklin. It was cool. Unfortunately I was let go there but a few days later I had a chance. I appreciated it and took advantage of being with this team I am.
Firkser is not just the former Jetts from the Chiefs practice team. Jason Brownlee will be with the Chief after signing the team on January 15th. He spent the entire regular season with the Jets practice team.
Firkser and Brownlee were able to play with Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes in the same season.
“It's really cool to be able to catch passes from them and practice with them,” Firkser said.
