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Eagles Rookie Retires to Join the Military and Serve His Country

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The NFL is often described as the pinnacle of athletic dreams, but for one Philadelphia rookie, the path to greatness has taken a turn away from the gridiron — and toward a higher calling.

After signing as an undrafted free agent in May, Elijah Cooks, a standout college defensive back, fought through training camp and preseason games, hoping to earn a spot on an Eagles team seeking stability and depth in its secondary.

In late August, the Eagles waived Cooks. Just days later, he stunned teammates and fans alike by announcing his retirement from professional football and his decision to enlist in the U.S. military, trading his Eagles jersey for a soldier’s uniform.

“I lived my NFL dream in Philadelphia, but being cut before the season opened another path,” Cooks said in a statement. “This isn’t the end — it’s a higher calling. Now, I choose to serve my country with the same heart I gave the Eagles.”

At 5’10” and 195 pounds, Cooks was considered slightly undersized for boundary corner roles, but made his mark with grit, field vision, and leadership. His preseason PFF grade of 65 reflected consistency, even amid fierce roster competition.

For the Eagles, it closes the chapter on a developmental project. For Cooks, it opens the door to a profound new journey — one that mirrors his reputation as a “hidden gem” who always found ways to rise above.

Fans across Philadelphia and the college football world took to social media to salute the move, calling it “the ultimate sacrifice” and “proof that heart is bigger than the game.” Cooks may leave the NFL, but his next mission could be even greater.


What do you think of Elijah Cooks’ choice to leave the NFL and serve his country? Share your thoughts below and explore more Eagles fan gear at [SHOP NOW].

JALEN HURTS EXPLODES AT FANS AFTER EAGLES' HUMILIATING LOSS: "I HATE LOSING MORE THAN YOU EVER WILL! STOP DISAPPOINTING ME!"
Philadelphia, October 11, 2025 – Buckle up, Eagles fans, because Jalen Hurts just dropped a BOMB in the press room! After the Philadelphia Eagles got obliterated 17-34 by their arch-rivals, the New York Giants, on Thursday night, Hurts didn’t hold back. No apologies, no sugarcoating—just pure, unfiltered fury aimed straight at the fans who’ve started to turn on him. Is this the fiery wake-up call the Eagles need, or has Hurts just torched his relationship with Philly’s diehards? Let’s rewind to the disaster at MetLife Stadium on October 9. The Eagles, riding an eight-year win streak against the Giants, were expected to steamroll their rivals. Instead, it was a nightmare from the jump. Giants’ HC Brian Daboll outcoached Philly’s staff, and the Eagles’ defense looked like Swiss cheese, letting Daniel Jones and—ouch—former Eagle Saquon Barkley run wild for 34 points. Hurts, the dual-threat QB with 800 rushing yards this season, was a shadow of himself: two brutal interceptions, a measly 180 passing yards, and zero answers for New York’s relentless attack. The result? A 17-34 beatdown, Philly’s second straight loss after a shocking defeat to Tampa Bay. The boos rained down from the stands, #FireHurts trended on X, and Eagles Nation erupted in frustration. Then came the post-game presser, where Hurts didn’t just face the music—he grabbed the mic and SCREAMED. Taking his famous “Jalen-isms” and cranking the intensity to 11, he unleashed a fiery, confrontational version of his usual mantra, calling out fans and vowing to fight back harder than ever. Here’s what Hurts said, raw and unapologetic, with a few tweaks to capture the heat of the moment: “I’m done with the rah-rah nonsense. No hiding behind words—you’re looking at me, and I’m looking at YOU. I’m more pissed off than all of you combined, sitting at home whining and pointing fingers. You think you care? Try bleeding out there on the field, not just yelling at your TV. Nobody hates losing more than me—and I HATE how you’re piling on with your cheap shots, disappointing me even more! Anger doesn’t fix jack unless you turn it into ACTION, right NOW. So yeah, I feel it. I’ll wear this loss like a scar, and I’ll get back to work, harder and meaner than ever. You want wins? Then STEP UP with me, don’t just sit there crying! Pain? Doesn’t scare me one bit—it fuels me. But your comfort, booing from the sidelines like it’s easy? That’s what makes my skin crawl. Don’t make me say it again. Jalen-isms 1:1 – Consider this your final warning.” Holy smokes, talk about dropping the mic! Hurts didn’t just acknowledge the loss—he threw down the gauntlet, calling out fans who’ve gone from worshipping him as Philly’s savior (post-NFC Championship glory) to demanding his head. Social media is a warzone: some fans are hyped, calling him a “true warrior,” while others are livid, accusing him of blaming the fanbase instead of owning his mistakes. ESPN analysts chimed in: “This is Hurts in full battle mode, trying to rally the team—but will fans forgive him for pointing the finger?” With the Eagles slipping to third in the NFC East and a brutal schedule ahead (Cowboys next, then 49ers), Hurts’ fiery words are either the spark to revive a dying season or gasoline on an already-burning dumpster fire. Can he turn this rage into results, or is Philly’s Super Bowl dream officially dead? Stay tuned—and Eagles fans, what do you think? Is Hurts your hero or a villain? Drop your hot takes below! 🔥 #EaglesVsGiants #JalenHurtsRant   Eagles Nation, rise up and show your pride! 🦅 Grab the hottest Philadelphia Eagles gear—jerseys, hats, hoodies, and more—to rep Jalen Hurts and the squad through every heart-pounding moment! Don’t just cheer, wear the fight! Shop now at the official Eagles store and fly with us! SHOP NOW