Latest news with #KeleeRingo
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Now or Never For Eagles' Young Cornerback
Now or Never For Eagles' Young Cornerback originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Philadelphia Eagles have spent plenty of draft capital on defensive players out of the University of Georgia. Jalen Carter, Nakobe Dean, Jordan Davis, Nolan Smith, and Smael Mondon Jr. are just some of the more recent names who have been selected by Philadelphia in the draft process recently. Advertisement And there is one more Georgia player who was a part of their National Championship defense ... Cornerback Kelee Ringo was Georgia's top defensive back during their title-winning days. He was taken by the Eagles in the fourth round of the 2023 draft and has sat behind veterans like Darius Slay and James Bradberry for the last two years. With both veterans gone, it is in a sense "now or never'' for Ringo to prove he can be a starter in the league. In limited action, Ringo has been pretty good at the cornerback position. Pro Football Focus graded out his sophomore season at a respectable 65.8. That is considered above average for the cornerback position. Advertisement Philadelphia will not simply give Ringo a starting role. He will be competing with veteran Adoree Jackson for that key role opposite second-year corner Quinyon Mitchell on the outside. It seems silly to think that a player in just his third year in the league is in a "do or die" situation. Especially one as young as Ringo. Despite his two years in the league, he is still just 22 years old. But Ringo isn't just looking to find a home on special teams. He may be Philadelphia's top special-teams player, but Ringo has far bigger goals. Ringo wants to start on the outside. If he can't beat out a player like Jackson—someone who has never played in the Vic Fangio system—then when will it happen? Advertisement He may have a spot on the roster as a special-teams ace, but if he wants to make his mark as a starter, his approach needs to be of the "now or never'' variety. Related: Eagles Legends to Coach Against Each Other at Lincoln Financial Field Related: Eagles' Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean Already Ranked Among NFL's Best CB Duos This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
29-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Cornerback battle in Philadelphia could be one of the Eagles' top offseason stories
Cornerback battle in Philadelphia could be one of the Eagles' top offseason stories The Kelee Ringo vs. Adoree' Jackson cornerback competition in Philadelphia may be one of the premier training camp battles this summer One can only imagine what's going on in the minds of the fringe players and the Philadelphia Eagles on the back-half of the depth chart. Much of the roster is set. It feels like most of the starting positions are too, so many of the men on the 90-man training camp roster have to believe their days are numbered. If they don't, they could be under the impression they're auditioning for the practice squad. Then again, there are 31 other franchises. They could embrace an opportunity to play elsewhere. There are, however, two starting spots that are still open, one on each side of the ball. One is at right guard. The other is the starting outside cornerback position on the opposite side of the formation from Quinyon Mitchell. Kelee Ringo and Adoree Jackson figure to duke it out in what should be must-see television. Time has flown, and though he has two years remaining on his rookie deal, this feels like 'do or die' time for Kelee Ringo. He's one of the Philly Dawgs, a two-time College Football Playoff National Champion (2021, 2022) who has now won a Super Bowl after just two seasons at the professional level. Adoree Jackson is one of the new faces. The Birds acquired him on March 13. His deal expires after a single season and will pay him $5 million. Mitchell will partner with the winner, presumably. Cooper DeJean mans the slot... we think... Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio stated, after the second day of OTAs, that "I really like him as the nickel", but he's been given a workload just about everywhere. Coop also took some reps at all three cornerback spots on Day 2. He also took snaps at safety on Wednesday, but it's only the end of May. If you remember, James Bradberry took snaps at the safety position, too. So, that places the spotlight back on Jackson and Ringo. They're the best cornerbacks on the Eagles' roster, not named Mitchell or DeJean, but there are bodies there. Mac McWilliams is a member of Philadelphia's 2025 draft class, but he feels like a backup slot cornerback based on his frame and physique. Eli Ricks, Parry Nickerson, Tariq Castro-Fields, B.J. Mayes, A.J. Woods, and Brandon Jackson round out the remainder of the preseason cornerback depth chart. The theories are that Ringo hasn't hit his ceiling yet, and Jackson's best years may be in his rearview mirror. This is the classic battle of youth vs. experience. It's a strange dichotomy in football. Allies are sometimes the competition. Early theories suggest that Jackson may have the early edge, but the winner of this competition will be better for it. Iron sharoens iron, and the goal is to reach and win another Super Bowl. Jackson and Ringo's efforts are essential cogs in a much larger machine. So, as the summer wears on, place those bets. Enjoy the show—the friendly rivalry featuring Kelee and Adoree figures to be must-see television for the best three months.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Super Bowl champion Kelee Ringo honored by Saguaro High
Kelee Ringo, one of the all-time greatest Arizona high school athletes, returned to his alma mater, Saguaro High, for an award that was as special to him as anything he has won since graduating in 2020. During a Monday morning assembly, Ringo was honored for his outstanding high school achievements. Advertisement He was a two-time state-champion football player and a state-champion track and field sprinter. After high school, he went on to win two college football national championships as a defensive back at Georgia, and this past NFL season, he became a Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles. "I was able to start my foundation here with the football thing," Ringo said. "My faith in the Lord. I went through adversity and things like that. It's still a dream come true to be back here and be with the people who helped build my foundation." Ringo moved from Washington State before his junior season and took off in football under coach Jason Mohns. As a cornerback and running back, he led the Sabercats to two state championships. His senior year at Saguaro, he was the No. 1-ranked cornerback in his class and an All-American. Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Kelee Ringo (22) reacts against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter in the NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. After signing with Georgia, he helped the Bulldogs win two CFP national championships in 2021 and '22. He was taken by the Eagles in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Advertisement Then, in only his second season in the NFL, he was part of the Eagles' Super Bowl championship victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. "It's just a surreal feeling," Ringo said. Ringo said he hasn't fully wrapped his head around with all of the championships he's been a part of, from high school to the NFL. "The thing I'm thankful for is the journey," he said. "It builds character. It is how I became who I am today." Coach Darius Kelly, who is in his second year leading the Saguaro football program, was proud to introduce Ringo inside the packed Saguaro gym, where alumni were being honored for their high school achievements. Advertisement "He first came here in July, and it was hot," Kelly said. "He stuck out it out. Eight years later, here he is. He's a good person. These kids can see that and believe they can make it, as well." To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:@azc_obert This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl champion Kelee Ringo honored by Saguaro
USA Today
11-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Eagles next man up at cornerback is younger than 8 of the top 2025 NFL draft prospects
Eagles next man up at cornerback is younger than 8 of the top 2025 NFL draft prospects Some experts have suggested the Eagles select a cornerback but Kelee Ringo is younger than 8 of the top NFL draft prospects at his position The Eagles have few, if any, significant holes on their roster. Still, Vic Fangio's defense saw Darius Slay (Steelers), Isaiah Rodgers (Vikings), Avonte Maddox (Lions), and James Bradberry (UFA) all depart a Super Bowl roster. Philadelphia has Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean as holdovers from the NFL's No. 1 ranked defense and finalists for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. DeJean recorded 50 tackles (37 solo), six PDs, three fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble. Mitchell posted 46 tackles (37 solo), 12 PDs (second-most on team), and two interceptions in the playoffs. With the departures, will Kelee Ringo or Eli Ricks find a more significant role on defense? It is a primarily young group with a lot of talent, so the competition will be fierce leading up to Week 1 of the 2025 season. With all the changes in the secondary, experts have discussed whether the Eagles should select a cornerback with a first—or second-round pick. Age is always something to watch, and one key component of the evaluation is that Ringo is the youngest player on the roster despite entering his third NFL season. Zach Berman reports that Ringo is actually younger than eight of the top 2025 NFL draft prospects at his position. Jahdae Barron is the one player on the board that could be considered equal to, if not better than, Ringo at this point in their respective career. Barron excelled in the slot, could play on the boundary, and even took some snaps at safety. The First-Team All-American won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's best cornerback in 2024 after tallying five interceptions, nine pass break-ups, and not allowing a single touchdown. He also had 24 career tackles for loss and a pair of sacks.
Los Angeles Times
10-02-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Eagles turn doubters into believers after thwarting Chiefs' Super Bowl three-peat
NEW ORLEANS — The Kansas City Chiefs wanted a three-peat in the worst way. They were half-right. Although they didn't get an unprecedented third consecutive Lombardi Trophy, they got the 'worst way' part down pat. Seven years after reaching the NFL mountaintop with a down-to-the-wire win, the Philadelphia Eagles left no room for doubt Sunday, bringing Broad Street to Bourbon Street with a 40-22 Super Bowl victory over the two-time defending NFL champions. 'It says champion on my hat,' Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson bellowed as he made his way from the confetti-covered Superdome field to the locker room. 'Do you believe us now?' cornerback Kelee Ringo yelled to reporters as he happily jogged past. Surely, Patrick Mahomes is a believer. Philadelphia's defense had the Chiefs quarterback scrambling to survive and limited one of the league's most lethal weapons to a passer rating of 10.7 in the first half. The Chiefs wobbled to 23 yards of offense and a single first down in the first two quarters. Before they scored their first touchdown, the Chiefs saw their first nine possessions end: punt, punt, punt, interception, punt, interception, punt, punt, turnover on downs. Meanwhile, Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts, whose team lost in the Super Bowl to Kansas City two years earlier, threw for 221 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He also ran for 72 yards and a touchdown, and was named the game's most valuable player. 'What's crazy is, everyone has questions about this quarterback, which blows my mind because I think he's one of the best quarterbacks in all of football,' said legendary Philadelphia receiver Mike Quick, the color analyst on Eagles radio. 'He does what you need him to do to win football games. 'On the biggest stage is where he performs the best. And people still question him? I think they should put respect on his name.' MVP could easily have gone to a host of Eagles defenders, among them rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean, who had a 38-yard pick-six; linebacker Zack Baun, who led the team with seven tackles and had a key interception before the end of the first half; edge rusher Josh Sweat, who had six tackles and 2½ sacks; and defensive tackle Milton Williams, who contributed two sacks. 'Hats off to the Eagles, man, they got after us,' said Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who had four catches for 39 yards. '[We] couldn't get it going offensively, then on top of that turnovers, penalties, playing behind the sticks on offense, dropped passes, not taking advantage of the play calls and executing. There's a lot that goes into it.' In short, the lopsided game was Snoozer Bowl LIX, and the TV cameras spent much of the time scanning the stands for Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney, Adam Sandler, Bradley Cooper, Kevin Hart and President Trump, the first sitting U.S. president to attend a Super Bowl. The blowout was a stark contrast to Philadelphia's harrowing first Super Bowl victory seven years earlier over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. This time, Brady was in the broadcast booth for Fox, and the guy chasing his seven rings was stymied at every turn. Mahomes, playing behind a porous offensive line, had a New Orleans Super Bowl experience that rivals Denver's Craig Morton (four interceptions) or New England's Tony Eason (0 for 6 passing). Mahomes' numbers improved in the second half, but only after the Chiefs had fallen behind, 34-0. He wound up with three touchdowns, but they proved to be cosmetic scores. 'Just didn't play to my standard, and I have to be better next time,' Mahomes said. The last three Super Bowls were decided by three points each, with Sunday's game being the first blowout on the big stage since Tampa Bay throttled the Chiefs by 22. In that game, it was Todd Bowles, then Buccaneers defensive coordinator, who drew up a devastating game plan against Mahomes. This time, the mastermind was Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who finally got the better of the Kansas City superstar. Coming into the Super Bowl, Mahomes had faced a Fangio defense eight times — and won all eight. A lot of the talk in the week leading up to the game concerned officiating and whether Kansas City would get extra help from the stripes in their bid for history. The Eagles left nothing to chance. The Eagles have been to three Super Bowls in eight years, winning two. 'This was the best Eagles team in modern history,' said longtime play-by-play man Merrill Reese, who called each of the club's five Super Bowls. 'There were no holes. They didn't have to cover up for anybody. They had a great defensive coordinator. Team didn't have any weaknesses.' Philadelphia scored a combined 95 points in the NFC championship victory over Washington and Super Bowl win. Running back Saquon Barkley set an NFL record for the most rushing yards in a season, counting playoffs (2,504), surpassing the 2,476 of Denver's Terrell Davis in 1998. The Eagles' locker room was like a rollicking nightclub, with players, coaches and even some wives smoking cigars and dancing to the thumping music. Many players wore ski goggles to protect their eyes from the spray of champagne. Philadelphia coach Nick Sirianni has led his team to the Super Bowl twice in his four seasons, and now has a ring to show for it. After the game, while being interviewed on the field by Fox, he picked up his young son and held him on his hip. 'Here come the happy tears,' the coach said. Cry, Eagle, cry.
