A speedy, playmaking linebacker, Akeem Jordan quickly progressed in his rookie campaign after originally signing with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent out of Division I-AA James Madison in 2007. Making the most of his opportunity after being promoted from the practice squad in the middle of the season, Jordan went on to lead the team in special teams tackles (19) and ranked 4th in special teams production points (209) despite playing in just nine games.

2007 HIGHLIGHTS:

• Despite playing in only 9 games, led the team in special teams tackles (19) and ranked 4th in special teams production points (209)
• In his first NFL start vs. Buf. (12/30), set a career high with 14 tackles and contributed a team-high 5 special teams tackles
• Recorded 6 tackles in his first significant action on defense at NO (12/23)
  

BIRDSEED:

• Played 4 years at division I-AA James Madison University, where he won a National Championship in 2004. "There are a lot of great players that came out of division I-AA, and I'm glad I got the chance to make it to the NFL," said Jordan. "It's something that motivates me every day. I'm constantly trying to prove that I'm able to play at this level."
  In 2007, Jordan became the first player from JMU to start in a NFL game since WR Macey Brooks started 3 games for the Bears in 2000. Jordan is one of 5 former Dukes to start in the NFL (Brooks, WR Gary Clark, DE Charles Haley, TE Ed Perry)

PERSONAL:

• He and his girlfriend, Anita, live in Harrisonburg, VA,  with their daughter, Aaliyah. Anita is working on her master's degree in counseling at Eastern Mennonite University
• Earned all-state honors as a LB and RB at Harrisonburg HS, where he helped his team to a state title as a junior. Also lettered in basketball and track
• While in college, made frequent trips to a nearby juvenile detention center to talk to kids. Plans to continue working with children after his football playing days are over. "It was something I really wanted to do, to let the kids know that it doesn't have to be like that and there is hope for them to have a good life. I definitely want to work with kids after I'm done playing football, maybe working with juvenile delinquents to help them live a better life."
• His newest hobbies include Sudoku puzzles and playing online chess. "I like the challenge. I always play on the hardest level, because it forces you to think two or three steps ahead."
• During the 2008 offseason, went to a 3-week speed camp in Chicago, and spent the rest of his time bulking up with his former strength and conditioning coaches at JMU, Jim Durning and Greg Werner
• His role model growing up was Michael Jordan. "Everything I did, I always wanted to be like Mike. I even had a couple pairs of his shoes, but I also owned a pair of Reebok Pumps."
• Majored in sociology
• Full name: Akeem Raphael Jordan

COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS:
The Atlantic-10 Conference defensive POY in 2006, Jordan, left JMU ranked 3rd on the school's all-time INT return yardage list (155, 6 INTs). In his Dukes career, appeared in all 50 games (26 starts) and logged 299 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 9 KDs. Following a 140-tackle effort as a senior, was named 1st-team all-conference, national defensive POY by College Sporting News and finished 2nd in the Buck Buchanan voting, which is given annually to division I-AA's top defender. Named 1st-team All-America by the AFCA, the Walter Camp Foundation, The Sports Network and Football Gazette, while being named to AP's 2nd-team. Also posted 17 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, 4 KDs, 1 FR and 1 FF in 2006. The team's co-defensive MVP and a 2nd-team All-A10 pick as a junior, finished 2nd on the team in INTs (3) and 3rd in tackles (80). Also had the 3rd-longest INT return in team history at UMASS, a 70-yd. TD. As a sophomore, was a member of JMU's 2004 NCAA national championship team and logged 40 tackles, 2 INTs and 1 sack on the season. Posted 39 tackles as a true freshman.