For a long while in the spring, A.J. Epenesa didn't know what his football future held.
He had six solid years playing with Buffalo on his resume after the Bills made him a second-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft. He nearly signed with Cleveland in March, but that fell through.
And then he waited. And waited.
And then the Eagles called and, as the team wrapped up its Organized Team Activities, Epenesa arrived at the Jefferson Health Training Complex and got to work. He had six weeks of prep time before Training Camp opened and he had video meetings with coaches to gain a base understanding of this Vic Fangio defense.
"Once or twice a week with (Defensive Ends/Outside Linebackers) Coach (Jeremiah) Washburn and Scud (Tyler Scudder, assistant linebackers coach) on Zoom and we would go over some of the base things to dip my toes in the water on the coverages we employ and all of these different things," Epenesa said. "I was in Iowa City, Zooming with Wash and Scud, training at the University of Iowa in the summer program where my brother attends and where I attended and (laughing), it was a good time. Working out in Iowa City, in the cornfields.
"It was definitely a little odd, the phone being quiet for a while before the Eagles called and we came together. It made me a little anxious, as it would make anybody feel that way. You know you're good enough to keep playing and all I wanted was an opportunity to keep playing. This is exciting, joining such a prolific program. These guys are incredible players. They win every year. Great coaching staff. A city that loves football. A no-brainer for me."
Epenesa, a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end with Buffalo who recorded 24 sacks, four interceptions, and 135 quarterback pressures playing in the Bills' defensive line rotation, transitions to an outside linebacker role here. He's an edge player here, so he is going to line up and get after the quarterback, set the edge against the run, and, yes, drop into coverage.
It's a bit of a new role, but that is the nature of the sport, of the defense.
In Vic Fangio, we trust.
"I love him," Epenesa said. "One of the best the game has ever seen. The defenses he's had, I think the results speak for themselves. It's fun learning all of that and learning more about my game and what I can do."
So far, so good for Epenesa. He's been active, physical, and playing with the non-stop motor that he says marks his game. If you need to know one thing about Epenesa, it's this: He is going to go full speed all the time every day.
"I am the guy that everyone knows has a chip on his shoulder," Epenesa said. "I want people to know that 'He's pissed off about something. He wants to make a point. And he wants to make it loud and clear.' That's what I want everyone to see when I'm on the field. I'm going hard. That's not going to change.
"I'm learning as much as possible as fast as I can. It is a change positionally for me, so I have to be on my game mentally and it is a great challenge. I'm not gonna lie about that. It's a challenge."
This much is clear for Epenesa, who brings his demeanor and his skill set to an edge room that has a lot of ability and depth: He has something to prove. He wants it, and he wants it badly. He is here as a Philadelphia Eagle – a new team, a new role, and the mindset of proving himself all over again.
"Mitch Morse (former NFL center) said it best on his podcast (In Good Company with Mitch Morse): 'Once you think you've got the NFL figured out, it kicks you in the (butt).' Never try to be too comfortable and always be prepared. That's how I've been trying to keep my mind lately, and I'm very happy to be doing that here and giving it my all as a Philadelphia Eagle."
