To an inquiring mind, Quintin Mikell might describe his line of work a bit curiously. Mikell simply doesn't have a "job" in the traditional sense. In contrast, it would be accurate to say that Mikell fights tooth-and-nail for a job every day.

It's all he knows.

Now, in the midst of a contract that will keep Mikell in Philadelphia through 2010, he's conceivably reached a zenith – he's penciled in as the starting strong safety for the first time in his career. He should be able to finally relax.

But that's not how he sees it.

Mikell knows the Eagles need to create more turnovers in 2008

One thing's obvious – Mikell's roadmap to the starting 11 never took the shortcut through "complacency." A sixth-year safety out of Boise State, Mikell inked a deal with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2003, and it was on Day 1 that he started battling. The struggle paid off, as he made the team out of training camp, one of six rookie free agents to do so.

Soon after, his energy and playmaking ability earned him a prominent role on the Eagles' special teams. With more than 100 tackles over the course of his career, he became well-regarded as one of the NFL's top special teams virtuosos, appearing on a number of lists honoring the game's best.

In 2004, he leapt – quite literally – into the spotlight with Eagles fans, making an acrobatic interception of Eli Manning in the end zone to help seal the NFC East-clinching win in a November game against the New York Giants.

But even then, Mikell took nothing for granted. To him, this week's Organized Team Activities (OTAs) are anything but optional.

"For me, personally, I need the reps," Mikell said. "You have to learn your body and learn yourself. There's a little tape here and there to learn from my mistakes."

Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson earns a lot of Mikell's respect as a coach that is willing to work with what's given to him and give young, inexperienced players a shot. In the starting lineup, Mikell joins another former undrafted free agent, defensive end Juqua Parker.

Additionally, previous fifth-round picks Trent Cole and Omar Gaither are solidly locked into the depth chart.

"(Johnson)'s like a mad scientist, with all these different parts and pieces he can play with. It's a good position to be in," Mikell said. "Towards the end of (last) season, you can see the confidence he had in us and the younger guys. Not only was he putting us in different positions, but we were capitalizing and making plays."

Still, Mikell knows those plays have to keep coming to keep his job. He stressed that his defense must improve on 2007's paltry 19 takeaways, the only unit in the NFL to post fewer than 20.

He knows that number is indicative of his performance. And he's taking it on himself and his teammates to make sure it rises.

He doesn't want to lose what took so long to grasp.

"The front office has done a good job bringing in new guys and keeping the right guys," Mikell said. "I've been waiting for this for a long time. You're job isn't ever secure, so I have to get better and keep working. I have to live up to my role."