The Philadelphia Eagles have become a must-watch this off-season due to their radical roster moves and coach Chip Kelly's miraculously translating his high-speed college offense into an effective scheme at the professional level.
Kelly’s vision only goes for far on the offensive side of the ball, however. That's what makes the Eagles’ latest acquisition of rookie free agent defensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva so fascinating.
NFL trenches shouldn't be too much of a challenge for this rookie. Villanueva has spent considerable time in trenches in Afghanistan as an Army Ranger.
The 6-foot-9, 277-pound Villanueva spent the last four years as an active member of the U.S. Army, serving a total of three tours in Afghanistan. He was most recently promoted to Captain earlier this month. Villanueva has earned many honors for his service, including the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, the Ranger Tab, the Parachutist Badge, the Bronze Star Medal for overseas service, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge and Expert Infantryman’s Badge.
The Eagles swapped a 5-10 burner with personal issues for a nigh-seven-foot-tall Army Ranger. The optics alone are astonishing.
During his first of three deployments, Villanueva earned the Bronze Star for pulling wounded soldiers out of the line of fire while under enemy assault. He followed that up by volunteering for the Rangers' selection program, where he served as a Plans Officer, a Ranger Rifle Platoon Leader, and a Ranger Company Executive Officer.
Just Villanueva’s story alone makes this an endearing tale, marrying up America's love for her military and her football. But I’m more intrigued by what Vince Gilligan with a visor has cooking up for Villanueva on the other side of the ball.
Philly signed Villanueva as a defensive lineman, a position they desperate needed to fortify. But if you’ve ever followed Chip Kelly, you can’t help but envision Kelly concocting offensive packages to take advantage of Villanueva's experience as an offensive lineman and tight end. Think of a less athletic, more sober Rob Gronkowski.
Villanueva is too unique a specimen to be used just as a down lineman. He's faced worse than NFL linebackers.