Eagles Cut Rookie RB on the Spot After Drunken Arrival at Training Camp

Training Camp is meant to test toughness, talent—and professionalism. And when a rookie running back showed up visibly intoxicated to his first day back from the team’s off-day, the Eagles wasted no time sending a message: standards matter.

Multiple team sources confirmed that the player arrived sluggish, disoriented, and reeking of alcohol. It didn’t take long for staff to intervene—and even less time for Head Coach Nick Sirianni to make the call.

“I don’t care if it was your birthday, a party, or ‘just one drink’—the moment you show up unprepared, you show us you don’t belong. At the Eagles, we don’t cut players on emotion. We cut them when they don’t respect the standard. That’s how we uphold the culture at the Eagles.”

The rookie in question, ShunDerrick Powell, an undrafted free agent from Central Arkansas, had drawn attention earlier in the offseason after rushing for 1,343 yards and 14 touchdowns in his final college year. At 5’9”, 180 lbs, he was seen as a potential change-of-pace back who could earn a shot on special teams or in a gadget role.

But that chance is now gone.

Eagles veterans reportedly backed the decision, with several players privately expressing frustration over the lack of discipline some newcomers bring into the locker room. Sirianni has consistently preached that effort, accountability, and character are non-negotiables—especially on a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

For Powell, the dream may not be over—but in Philadelphia, it ended before it ever began.