PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles linebacker considered new career as plumber before Philly signed him

Myles Jack was on the verge of leaving the NFL behind

Jack, a former second-round pick, spent last season with the...
Jack, a former second-round pick, spent last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.TW/@AroundTheNFL

Four years ago, Myles Jack signed a $57 million contract extension with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The linebacker was poised to roam in the heart of Jacksonville's defense for years to come, but the franchise that drafted him chose to move on in 2022, releasing him from his contract with a year remaining on it.

Jack ed the Pittsburgh Steelers last year and made 104 total tackles in 2022, but the Steelers let him go in March -- and Jack has revealed that until the Philadelphia Eagles came calling earlier this month, hewas considering leaving the NFL entirely.

Jack's unique mindset

Jack, the 36th overall selection in the 2016 NFL Draft, told The Athletic's Zach Berman that he "couldn't sit at home" waiting for offers following his departure from Pittsburgh. The former UCLA Bruin actively considering getting trained as an electrician or as a plumber -- which would have brought an end to the 27-year-old's NFL career.

"I've been blessed to make a lot of money. I could retire and sit at the house. ... (but) I want to be innovative," Jack said. "If a zombie apocalypse came, I want to be able to build something."

But on Aug. 6, Jack had to put any trade school plans on hold as he signed a one-year deal with the Eagles, who immediately put him to work with first-team reps in practice.

From being without a team...to ing the NFC champions

Jack has only played in the postseason once during his seven-year NFL career, losing the 2018 AFC Championship Game while a member of the Jaguars. But he will probably get another Super Bowl shot this season with Philadelphia, a team many anticipate to represent the NFC again in Super Bowl LVIII.

It's quite the reversal in fortunes for Jack, who told the media that he packed light for his visit with the Eagles. Jack said he took only underwear, sweatpants, socks, and a Bible with him when the team flew him out. Now, he's poised to be a starter when Philadelphia opens the 2023 season against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.

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