A vocal and instinctive playmaker, Omar Gaither quickly emerged as a force on defense in his first season as the starting middle linebacker in 2007. Starting in all 16 games, Gaither tallied team highs in tackles (170) and hurries (14), while also ranking 2nd in knockdowns (14). Said defensive coordinator Jim Johnson of Gaither's grasp of the defense: ""He's come up and handled things. Sometimes, I don't even have to signal the defenses in, he knows what I want. He has control of the defense."" A fifth-round draft pick in 2006, Gaither earned a starting spot at WILL linebacker for the final seven games of his rookie season (including playoffs).

2007 HIGHLIGHTS:

• Started all 16 games at MLB and tallied team highs in tackles (170) and QB hurries (14). Also ranked 2nd on the team with 14 KDs
• Was the 2007 recipient of the Jack Edelstein Memorial Award, which is given to the Eagles player with an uplifting manner, a love for life, and an exceptional sense of humor who makes all with whom he comes in contact with feel good
• Posted 14 tackles in a win vs. Buf. (12/30)
• Recorded 15 tackles, 1KD and 1 FF vs. NYG (12/9). The FF was the 1st of his career
• Tallied 13 tackles and 5 KDs at NE (11/25)
• Registered a career-high 16 tackles vs. Chi. (10/21)
• Picked off an Eli Manning pass on the Eagles own 8-yd. line and returned it 49 yds., negating a Giants drive at NYG (9/30)

2006 HIGHLIGHTS:

• Became the starter at WILL linebacker for the final 7 games (post and regular season) and finished with 58 tackles, 1 sack,  and 1 INT. Ranked 2nd on the team in special teams tackles (30) and 4th in special teams production points (185)
• Played nearly the entire game at MLB vs. Atl. (12/31/06) and amassed a career-high 14 tackles
• Recorded his first career sack vs. NYG (12/17/06), bringing down Eli Manning for a 12-yd. loss to put New York out of FG range. Was the first Eagles rookie LB to record a sack since Ray Farmer did so in 1996
• Picked off Jason Campbell for his first career INT at Was. (12/10/06)