An integral part in the Eagles linebacking corps from 1984-89, Mike Reichenbach understood the position all too well.

For instance, a linebacker can look like a genius on one play, knowing exactly what offensive play will be called... thus delivering "the big hit." And on the very next snap the linebacker may get caught out of position because of overpursuit, leading to a "big play" for the opponent.

Reichenbach had to do three things to play the position: Read. React. Adapt.

And this is how Reichenbach approached life.

"When I first got into the league, I was known as a 'party guy.' It was not something I was proud of, but I felt I had to do this to fit in with my teammates and I was accepted as part of the group," said the 43-year-old Reichenbach.

That Reichenbach was even on a NFL roster was amazing in itself, having graduated from tiny Division II power East Stroudsburg University (PA.). However, he certainly dominated during his collegiate career.

With 147 tackles in his senior season (1983), Reichenbach was named Division II Associated Press All-America first-team linebacker. That same season, he posted 20 tackles against Division I-AA Lehigh and 19 against I-AA Lafayette.

"Coming into the 1984 Draft, there were a couple teams aware of my accomplishments on the Division II level. But ultimately, I did not get drafted because many teams felt I was not fast enough," Reichenbach said. "However, after the draft five teams offered me a contract to sign on as a free agent, including Philadelphia.

"Basically, I signed on with Philadelphia because they offered me the biggest signing bonus. And the reason why Philadelphia called me was because (current Pittsburgh Steelers head coach) linebacker Bill Cowher got hurt in camp. I later find myself a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Then in 1985, Reichenbach was starting alongside fellow linebackers Reggie Wilkes, Anthony Griggs, and Garry Cobb in the Birds' 3-4 defensive alignment. However, the Eagles finished 7-9 during the final season of the Marion Campbell era.

"Marion was a great guy who liked the veteran players; but he was not intense enough to take us to the next level," Reichenbach said. "He never pushed us in practice, and that season we would find ways to lose a game."

Defensive guru Buddy Ryan replaced Campbell at the helm.

"Any Eagles fan will tell you the greatest thing Buddy brought to the table was the 4-6 defensive scheme which was perfect for our personnel -- with Seth (Joyner), and Andre (Waters) -- because we would just attack and get after the quarterback," Reichenbach said. "That defense was designed to solely kill the quarterback."

During the 1986 season, Reichenbach tied Waters for the team lead in tackles with 129.

Today, Reichenbach is much different than the 'party guy' who played in Philadelphia, having dedicated himself to spirituality, listing The Bible and The Passion of The Christ as his favorite book and movie respectively.

Reichenbach is currently the head football coach at Calvary Christian High School, located in Philadelphia (PA).

"Being around those kids is a great honor, but if I only help them become better football players then I've failed them," Reichenbach said. "I want to help aid them in seeing God come into their lives, helping develop their faith."

Reichenbach and his wife, Lynne, have three children, Mike (13), Kelli (12), and Joshua (7). His hobbies include getting involved in youth ministries, golfing and just being a family guy.