It is safe to say that Raleigh McKenzie definitely got a taste of the crazy environment that is Philadelphia Eagles football. After all, it's no secret that Philadelphia is a football town and nothing drives the city more then the Philadelphia Eagles!  McKenzie, who spent 10 seasons with the division-rival Washington Redskins helping their franchise win two Super Bowl trophies (XXII, XXVI), learned very quickly that both he and his teammates were villains every time they entered Veterans Stadium. 

"We had things thrown at our bus," said McKenzie. "The fans would always know something specific about you that went beyond football. Veterans Stadium was a very intimidating place to visit, and it was the Eagles fans that cultivated that environment." 

Yet the venom that those Eagles fans once displayed towards the 6-2, 285-pound center disappeared once he arrived in Philadelphia via a free agent contract in the summer of 1995. 

"I wanted to stay close to home and continue playing in the NFC East," said McKenzie. "There was an opportunity for me to go to Arizona, however, (former offensive coordinator) Jon Gruden really sold me on Philadelphia and the passion that is Eagles football," recalled McKenzie.

During the early portion of the 1995 season, under new head coach Ray Rhodes, the Eagles were struggling at 2-3 and in need of a victory that would give them both positive momentum and an identity as a football team.  The Eagles had an opportunity to seize the day against McKenzie's old team at Veterans Stadium on October 8, 1995. 

On this day an offensive line unit that consisted of McKenzie at center, left tackle Barrett Brooks, left guard Guy McIntyre, right guard Joe Panos, and right tackle Antone Davis absolutely dominated Washington at the line of scrimmage. This group along with the blocking of fullback Fred McCrary enabled the "Thunder and Lightning" tandem at running back of Ricky Watters and Charlie Garner to each have stellar individual performances.  The "Thunder" (Watters) collected 229 yards of total offense on that day accumulating 139 on the ground and another 90 yards in receiving, while the "Lightning" (Garner) rushed for 119 yards scoring 3 touchdowns. The Eagles defeated the Redskins in overtime 37-34 on a Gary Anderson field goal, and the former No. 63 had no problem talking about the memorable win over his former team.

"We had a great one-two punch at running back just waiting to break out and to win in the NFC East you have to run the football. The coaches put a great game plan together and we [the offensive line] were in a great rhythm blowing them off the ball," remembered McKenzie, who is now 44 years old.  

Although the University of Tennessee product officially retired from the NFL in 2000, he still keeps a keen eye on the game today - specifically in the NFC East division.  He believes that the Redskins will continue their recent struggles, and that the Eagles will continue to be a dominant force.

"Having played for (Redskins head coach) Joe Gibbs, he is a tremendous coach. He is the leader who led us to the Super Bowl wins in Washington when I was there. The problem is he likes having his players around for a long time.  However in this current 'era of free agency' they have had constant change and turnover.  That's one of the many reasons I think Gibbs has struggled since being back with the Redskins because the roster seems to be always changing," said McKenzie about his former coach who has compiled a record of 21-27 since returning to the Washington sidelines in 2004 with one playoff appearance to his credit. 

On the other hand, during the same time frame Eagles head coach Andy Reid has tallied a record of 29-19 with one Super Bowl appearance and two NFC East division crowns. McKenzie looks for continued success from the Eagles this season. 

"The Eagles should once again win the division," said McKenzie. "The offensive line remains intact and proved last season they can run the football. They have the right stuff on offense with (quarterback) Donovan McNabb and (running back) Brian Westbrook leading the way.  On defense they got some definite help with the addition of (weakside linebacker) Takeo Spikes and they already have a good secondary led by (free safety) Brian Dawkins. If they stay healthy they're going to be one of the top teams in the league."

McKenzie, who was noted as being a smart and dependable veteran leader throughout his 16-year NFL career which totaled stints with the Redskins, Eagles, Chargers and Packers has since transitioned from the NFL classroom into a more traditional classroom environment. He is receiving great joy molding young minds as a teaching assistant at Rolling Ridge Elementary School, and in addition McKenzie serves as the offensive line coach at Herndon High School. McKenzie, who currently resides in Herndon, Va. with his wife Martha and their three children Rachel (16), Raleigh, Jr. (14) and Malcolm (11), said that teaching and coaching has been "very fulfilling" for him.     

"Teaching was just an ambition I had over the last couple years and being a substitute, being able to help children of all ages is a cool thing," said McKenzie. "In addition, I love the whole mental aspect of coaching and the anticipation of what the opposing team may throw at you during a game."       

In other words, much like when he arrived in Philadelphia 12 years ago, McKenzie is once again having a positive impact on his environment.