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The Eagles may not be playing in the Divisional Round of the NFC Playoffs — but as always wherever American sport is being played — you can almost be assured that some Philly connection exists. And when is came to Sunday’s Bears and Rams matchup on Sunday — Philly High School talent was on full display during the 20–17 Los Angeles win in OT.
One year ago — as Saquon Barkley ran to pay-dirt at Lincoln Financial Field in the swirling snow — some Los Angeles players my not have been used to the blizzard-like conditions. But Linebacker Omar Speights was not one of them.
Speights — a Philadelphia native — attended both Imhotep Charter and Northeast High School before transferring to Crescent Valley High School in Oregon and attended Oregon State. With less than four minutes left in the 4th quarter — Speights even knocked down a pass to force a Bears turnover on 4th and Goal.
On the Chicago sideline — Philadelphia’s talent was plentiful. Bears wide reciver DJ Moore is also a Philadelphia native — and like Speights attended Imhotep Charter. He would eventually lead the Panthers to the school’s first ever State Championship Game appearance. The former first round pick and All-Pro is in his eighth NFL season and was seeking his first Super Bowl appearance this year.
The running back who preceded Saquon Barkley on the Eagles is still alive in the hunt for an NFC Championship. St. Joe’s Prep graduate D’Andre Swift did not return to the Eagles after 1,000 yards in 2023. His teammate and fellow St. Joe’s Prep Graduate, Olamide Zaccheaus, also did not return after the 2023 campaign.
The Eagles may have to wait another year to compete for an NFC Championship once again — but one thing is for sure. The 2026 NFC Championship Game will have Philadelphia talent on display.
Just as it should be.
Categorized: College Eagles More PHL News Unique Columns
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Michael Thomas Leibrandt
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