Believe it or not, the beginning of the 2014 season is rapidly approaching. Players will report back to the NovaCare Complex on April 21 for the start of the Eagles offseason program. Join us as we count down until the Eagles are back in town ...
In just his second season in the NFL, Brandon Boykin emerged as one of the elite slot cornerbacks and overall playmakers - with a flare for the dramatic. The University of Georgia product recorded 34 total tackles (27 solo) and led the Eagles with six interceptions, including two that sealed victories, against the Washington Redskins in Week 11 and the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17, to clinch the NFC East title and a playoff berth. Keep in mind, he did all this despite playing just 51 percent of the defense's total snaps. Boykin turns 24 in July, has evolved into a core piece of the franchise and is just scratching the surface of his potential. He's also already one of the best special teams players in the league.
First Eagle To Wear 34: G Roy Lechthaler (1933)
Current Eagle To Wear 34: RB Bryce Brown (2012-present)
KEVIN TURNER
A relic of the 1990s NFL era, Kevin Turner spent the first three years of his career with the New England Patriots, who drafted him out of Alabama in 1992. He was a complete fullback, excelling as a blocker, receiver and runner over the course of his eight-year career.
Turner signed with the Eagles in 1995 to become the league's second highest-paid fullback, but he missed the last 14 games of the season after suffering a serious knee injury. He returned the following season, serving primarily as a blocker and receiver, paving the way for running back Ricky Watters to rush for 1,000-plus yards in 1996 and 1997. Turner himself recorded over 400 yards receiving in each of those two seasons and was recognized as the team's Ed Block Courage Award winner in '96. He also blocked for Duce Staley's first 1000-yard rushing season in 1998. Turner retired following the 1999 season at the age of 30.
In 2010, Turner was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) and has joined the fight to raise awareness and find a cure for the disease through his Kevin Turner Foundation. He is the subject of Jon Frankel's HBO documentary, American Man, which chronicles Turner's life and fight with ALS, and has partnered with Grammy-nominated country star Ty Herndon on a fundraising campaign.
