Latest news with #NakobeDean
USA Today
7 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
A surprise attendee at Eagles OTAs stirs some hearts and raises expectations
A surprise attendee at Eagles OTAs stirs some hearts and raises expectations Philadelphia linebacker Nakobe Dean was on the field without a helmet for Day 1 of Eagles' OTAs As the football world ventures under 100 days from the start of the 2025 NFL season, all eyes are on a game featuring one of pro football's most bitter feuds, one featuring the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. The Birds scheduled themselves for another phase of their offseason workout program by way of six on-field OTA sessions. The dates: May 27-28, May 30, June 2-3, and June 5. It didn't take long for a rookie to turn heads. Ty Robinson attacked some blocking sleds like his life depended on it. Oh yeah... Birds fans are going to love him. Guess who showed up to the first OTA session? Guess what he wasn't wearing? Nakobe Dean shows up to the first Eagles OTA session. This should warm those hearts. Cameras caught a glimpse of Nakobe Dean at the first Eagles OTA session in shorts with a practice jersey on. Thanks to some digging, we learned he isn't ready for on-field work, but he wasn't wearing a knee brace or any protective device. It appears he may be prepared for the beginning of the season. Yes, you're right. After tearing his left knee's patellar tendon during the Wild Card Round of the NFL Playoffs and allowing the injury to heal for four months, it isn't overwhelmingly surprising that he'd be out of a brace by now. Knee injuries are tricky, though. Seeing him on the field still feels like a win. Fingers are crossed that he enjoys a full recovery and is back to 100 percent health by the start of the season (or he's pretty close to it).
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Why is Eagles' Nakobe Dean doing ballet after injury? The reason will surprise you
Why is Eagles' Nakobe Dean doing ballet after injury? The reason will surprise you (Image Source: Getty Images) Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean is taking an unusual step in his recovery from a serious knee injury. Instead of sticking to traditional rehab methods, Dean has added ballet to his routine. Many fans were surprised to learn this. Why would an NFL player turn to ballet? The answer lies in his fight to return stronger and faster after a tough setback. Nakobe Dean joins BalletX in Philadelphia to rebuild strength and mobility On January 12, 2025, Nakobe Dean suffered a torn patellar tendon during the Eagles' wild-card playoff game. The injury ended his season. At the time, the Eagles were on a strong run toward Super Bowl LIX, so Dean's injury didn't get much attention. But behind the scenes, he was beginning a long recovery journey. Dean, who is 23 years old, needed something special to help him heal. He found it with BalletX, a dance company in Philadelphia. In an interview with NBC10 Philadelphia, Dean shared how ballet is helping. He said, 'There's way more flexibility, of course. Way more mobility. It's definitely something that's helping with my rehab.' This isn't as wild a move as it at first seems. To improve balance and body control, NFL icons Barry Sanders, Walter Payton, and Herschel Walker also engaged in ballet. Dean is currently following a similar road. Also Read: The Philadelphia Eagles Have Released Veteran Linebacker Devin White Who Never Recorded A Snap For Philadelphia Before His Release Nakobe Dean's 2025 comeback is full of challenges on and off the field Dean played well early in the 2024 season. He was becoming a key part of the Eagles' defense. But now, he faces pressure to prove himself again. The Eagles drafted Jihaad Campbell in the first round and added Smael Mondon Jr. in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. That means Dean must work even harder to keep his spot. The team expects Dean to start the 2025 season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Training camp starts in July. That gives him six months from his January injury to show he's ready. His rookie contract is also ending this year. If he wants a new deal, he must return to his top form. He told NBC10 that ballet helps reduce tightness and soreness right away. Nakobe Dean is doing everything he can. Now, fans are watching to see if his unique rehab choice will pay off. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
USA Today
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Nakobe Dean takes up ballet: Eagles LB using dance to aid injury recovery
Nakobe Dean takes up ballet: Eagles LB using dance to aid injury recovery Show Caption Hide Caption NFL keeps 'Tush Push' in play The NFL won't ban the 'Tush Push', keeping the Eagles' high-success play in the game—for now. Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean is facing an arduous recovery from a torn patellar tendon he suffered in the team's wild-card round win over the Green Bay Packers. The 24-year-old is using every resource possible to come back from that injury stronger. That includes training with a contemporary ballet company in Philadelphia, BalletX, to aid in his rehab. Dean made it clear that he didn't take up ballet because of a deep-seeded desire to dance. "I'm not interested in ballet," Dean told NBC10's Brendan Brightman and Matt DeLucia. "I'm in it for the mobility work and the stretching." Thus far, Dean believes his training is paying off. "There's way more flexibility, of course. Way more mobility," Dean said. "It's definitely something that's helping with my rehab." "You just feel a change immediately," he added. "After you stretch, you're not as tight or as sore." NFL DRAFT: Which QBs could be next to rise? These 10 prospects might soar in 2026 Dean isn't the first NFL player to take up dance to improve his abilities on the gridiron. Lynn Swann and Herschel Walker both notably took ballet classes during their Hall of Fame careers. More recently, players like Steve McClendon (ballet) and Matthew Judon (tap) have also taken up dance to help with their footwork and flexibility. So, while Dean insists he is "a football player through and through," he believes taking up ballet is going to help him not only in his recovery, but also his development as a player. "My whole thing is trying to be the absolute best version of myself. For me, that's greatness," Dean said. "If I'm striving to be that everyday, and doing whatever it takes to be that."
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Eagles First Round Pick Gets High Praise
There is a reason why Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell had to wait until the second-to-last pick of the first round to hear his name called during the 2025 draft. Campbell is dealing with two shoulder injuries and reportedly has knee problems. For that reason, it's not a surprise that 30 teams opted against the young defensive weapon. Advertisement The Eagles are a team that can take a gamble like that, though. They have a deep roster, and can allow Campbell to get fully healthy before putting him on the field with All-Pro talent around him. Just because Philly has to wait to see Campbell's impact, doesn't mean he was a bad pick. In fact, The Athletic's Brooks Kubena called the move a "considerable bargain" and also called Campbell Philadelphia's "best value pick." "The Eagles believe they acquired Campbell at a considerable bargain. Howie Roseman said the Alabama linebacker was a 'top-10 player' on their draft board," Kubena wrote. "Health concerns prompted Campbell's fall but the Eagles accepted both the risk of Campbell's injury history and the uncertainty of just when he will be available for football activities. "The payoff could be substantial. Campbell's size (6-foot-2, 235 pounds), speed (19.45 mph shuffle sprint), and physicality make him one of the most athletic defenders in the draft." Advertisement Campbell joins a linebacker room with Nakobe Dean and Zack Baun as the team's two starters. There's no guarantee he'll be able to beat either of them out, considering both were so good last season when healthy. Philadelphia has to think about the future, though. And with Dean entering the final year of his rookie deal, Philadelphia needed a linebacker of the future with strong pass rushing skills. It's why Campbell's value may be a lot higher than fans may think. Related: Eagles Sign Prospect Who Was 6-8 And 455 Pounds In High School Related: Eagles Star Shares Flirtatious Moment With Kay Adams
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Eagles Talent Pipeline To Georgia Is Just Beginning
The Philadelphia Eagles have a well-documented love affair with defensive players coming out of the University of Georgia. For good reason, too. Georgia has won two National Titles and has fielded the most dominant and consistent defenses over the last few years. Advertisement But as the Eagles prepare for their own title defense in 2025, the Georgia connection is not only stronger than ever, it's also as big as it has ever been. In 2024, the Eagles had four starters on their defense from the SEC power. Jalen Carter, Nakobe Dean, Nolan Smith, and Jordan Davis were the key cogs in Philadelphia's defense. As the Super Bowl champs gear up for the start of a new season, there's a strong chance that the number will grow to close to seven. Kelee Ringo, Azeez Ojulari, and even the potential to have Smael Mondon see playing time will only enhance the Georgia connection moving forward. Again, there's good reason for all of this. During their run to back-to-back championships, the Bulldogs fielded one of the greatest defenses in college football history. They continue to churn out NFL-ready stars on defense. Advertisement The Eagles aren't the only team that has focused on the school. They are, however, the organization that has done their best to overwhelmingly show their support with draft picks and free agent signings. So long as these Bulldogs continue to play well, there will be no reason for Roseman to go away from that strategy. And it makes Philadelphia as dangerous in 2025 as they were in 2024. Related: Eagles Trade Move Fuels GM Howie Viral Reaction Related: Eagles Cut 3rd-Round RB To Sign 159-Catch Star
