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Eagles Rookie LB Retires Early, Chooses to Serve in U.S. Army

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The Philadelphia Eagles were hit with unexpected news this week when one of their rookie defenders announced he would be stepping away from football just months into his professional career. The move has left teammates, coaches, and fans stunned, as it’s rare for a player to walk away from the NFL so soon after being drafted.

According to multiple reports, the rookie outside linebacker — drafted by Philadelphia in the sixth round, 209th overall — has decided to retire from football in order to serve his country in the United States Army.

The announcement came during the team’s preparation for their upcoming matchup, sending ripples through the locker room and the entire Eagles fanbase.

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While most rookies spend their first season fighting for roster spots and special teams reps, this linebacker has chosen a completely different battle — one that will take him from the bright lights of Lincoln Financial Field to the rigorous demands of military service. The Eagles organization released a statement acknowledging his decision, noting their respect for his commitment and sacrifice.

Teammates described him as dedicated, hardworking, and always putting the team first. Now, he’s choosing to extend that mindset far beyond football. Fans took to social media to share mixed emotions — pride in his selfless choice, but also sadness at what could have been a promising NFL career cut short.

It wasn’t until Wednesday evening that the player himself broke his silence, confirming the decision publicly. Rookie OLB Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Philadelphia’s 209th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, explained why he is leaving the game behind.
“The NFL was always my dream, but defending this country is my duty. I’ve been blessed to wear the Eagles jersey, but now it’s time to wear a different uniform and serve something greater than football. The brotherhood I found here will stay with me as I take on this new mission.”

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For the Eagles, losing a young prospect is a tough blow. But for Powell-Ryland, this isn’t an end — it’s the beginning of another mission. His story is a reminder that while football is a passion, there are moments when life demands an even greater sacrifice.

Denver Broncos Targeting Philadelphia Eagles' Defensive Player of the Week
The NFL's Reigning Defensive Player of the Year said the Eagles' cornerback "is very feisty." Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell goes through a drill during a Week 5 practice. / Ed Kracz/Eagles on SI PHILADELPHIA – The Denver Broncos found their quarterback of the future last year when they drafted Bo Nix 12th overall. Had they not needed one, who knows, maybe Quinyon Mitchell would have been their pick at that spot. Instead, the cornerback was still available to the Eagles when they arrived at the 22nd pick. “We liked him,” said Denver coach Sean Payton, whose team will be at Lincoln Financial Field to play the Eagles in a 1 p.m. kickoff. “I’ll tell you what, you can see the marked improvement from last year (to) this year. He (plays) the best receiver at times. He’s got good length, he runs well. I mean he’s impressive on tape.” Especially that tape against the Bucs, when Mitchell had a career-high five passes defended and won his first NFC Defensive Player of the Week award, becoming the first player from Toledo to ever to do that. Imagine a Broncos cornerback duo of Mithell and Patrick Surtain, II, who was taken ninth overall in 2021 and is the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Quinyon Mitchell Playing With Confidence And Swagger Quinyon Mitchell goes through practice with his Eagles teammates in Week 5. / Ed Kracz/Eagles on SI “I watch a lot of film on the young corners,” said Surtain. “That’s kind of crazy to say right now because I still feel young. I think he’s a great corner. He has it all. He possesses the skills (and) traits that you look for in a corner. He’s very feisty. He has great feet, great fundamentals. I think he’s going to be a great corner for years to come.” The Broncos aren’t the only who thinks so. The Eagles do, too, of course. Mitchell just turned 24 in July and has to be in the group of players who will line up at general manager Howie Roseman’s door when contract extension time arrives perhaps as early as the spring of 2027. Cooper DeJean won’t be far behind him. He and Mitchell might already be the best cornerback tandem in the league. DeJean tied a career-high with nine tackles in the Eagles 31-25 win over Tampa Bay last Sunday. He and Mitchell have become good friends since arriving together in the same draft. “His confidence and his swagger he plays with on the field, he’s really fun to watch,” said DeJean. “The way he covers guys and lets them know, you can tell he’s fearless on the field which gives confidence to every single one of us DBs in the room. You see him play with confidence, gives us confidence.” Mitchell is one of the quieter players on the team. He doesn’t say much in interviews, and he might just be the same off the field when he’s hanging out with teammates. “Q is very to himself, quiet, kept, and I think that’s a great thing,” said Adoree Jackson. “He’s able to go out there and put the work in. His confidence shows. You guys probably have seen the most personality you’ve seen from Q since he’s been here, but at the same time that goes with the preparation. The confidence comes from prepping throughout the week. I’m always excited for Q.” Jackson has been in the league since 2017 and he never won a player of the week award, but he’s happy for Mitchell. “That (bleep) is fire,” he said. “That’s one of those things where you can’t help but smile and be happy for a person, especially the way he carries himself.”