The first new face of free agency has arrived in Philadelphia, and his Eagles tenure is already off to a positive start.
On Thursday afternoon, newly signed running back Rashaad Penny entered the NovaCare Complex auditorium for a routine introductory press conference. He walked in with intention – before he began fielding questions, he shook hands with each local reporter present.
Penny made certain to begin with gratitude – his excitement to join the NFC Champions was transparent.
"I feel like this is a great place for me to refresh and restart my career. I'm just excited to be here," Penny said.
"Playing with a finalist MVP at QB (in Jalen Hurts), great running backs room, great weapons at receiver, and obviously, arguably the best O-Line – I'm excited to get to work."
The former Seahawk impressed with his manners – but equally with his appearance. The 5-foot-11, 220-pound Penny sized up like a player who can muscle and dodge past opposing defenses with ease. He affirmed such predictions quickly.
"I feel like I'm a slasher. I know I can run hard, but I know I can also make people miss, and break the homerun ball," said the 27-year-old.
On the West Coast, Penny always produced – when he made it on the field, that is. He averaged 5.7 yards a carry in his first five seasons, but he only played 38 games in that span.
He faced multiple injuries in Seattle, most recently sitting out a majority of the 2022 season after hurting bones in his leg in Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints.
When asked about his difficulties, Penny assured the room that he has been medically cleared to play and he plans to stay that way.
"I'm here to change and rewrite the narrative of what I can do. I'm excited to be here and be with the Eagles – I think this is kind of a refresh for my career," Penny said.
"I just feel like 17 games is really important. I know in my mind that being here, being an Eagle, there's a great strength and training staff, great coaches. They take good care of the players here."
The theme of his responses was "new beginnings" – Hurts was one of the first to welcome him to this new chapter. Within hours of Penny's agreement with the Eagles, the quarterback reached out to him.
Expectedly, the captain's championship goals have not wavered, and Penny's gearing up to contribute in any way he's called on to make them happen.
"He's ready to win a Super Bowl, and I'm on it with him. I'm with him, and I know the whole team is with him, too."
