The only lingering question mark about the Eagles' offseason has come out of the shade into the spotlight with a resounding answer: All-Pro running back LeSean McCoy has signed a five-year deal with the Eagles that will keep him in midnight green through the 2017 season.
In an offseason that has been marked by the extensions and signings of homegrown players like DeSean Jackson, Todd Herremans and Trent Cole, not to mention the re-signing of Evan Mathis, the Eagles preemptively locked up McCoy, the 23-year-old star running back who was set to enter the final year of his rookie contract.
"We are excited to continue this offseason of taking care of our own players," said head coach Andy Reid. "LeSean is one of the most electrifying running backs in the National Football League. He can do it all – run, catch, block and score touchdowns from anywhere on the field. He's worked extremely hard to turn himself into a Pro Bowl running back and he is well deserving of this contract extension. I give a lot of credit to Howie Roseman and Drew Rosenhaus for hammering out this deal."
One of the most explosive and versatile offensive weapons in the NFL, McCoy set franchise records in 2011 with 17 rushing and 20 total touchdowns, while earning All Pro and Pro Bowl honors. He also led the NFL with 102 first downs and 48 runs of 10-plus yards, while finishing as the league's fourth-leading rusher with 1,309 yards on the ground. In 2010, McCoy ranked fourth in the NFL with 1,672 scrimmage yards while leading all running backs with a career-high 78 catches and setting a team record with a 5.2-yard rushing average.
Originally a second-round draft choice of the Eagles in 2009, McCoy has played in 46 games (32 starts) and accumulated 4,241 scrimmage yards (3,026 rushing; 1,215 receiving) and 33 total touchdowns (28 rushing; five receiving). He also owns the highest rushing average (4.8) ever by an Eagles running back, and has compiled more rushing and scrimmage yards in his first three seasons than any player in franchise annals. Since entering the league, McCoy ranks third among all running backs with 166 receptions. Despite piling up 801 total touches in his career, the sure-handed McCoy has surrendered just five fumbles (160.2 touches per fumble).
A native of Harrisburg, PA, McCoy attended Bishop McDevitt high school and played collegiately at Pittsburgh. In addition to numerous charity appearances in the Philadelphia area, McCoy organizes an annual "Shady's Shootout Community Day" in his hometown which is dedicated to raising money for the fight against ALS.
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