New Eagle Haason Reddick empowers the youth, encourages change during rally at City Hall
Reddick says he'll be involved in the community as the Camden native and former Temple player celebrates his homecoming to play for the Eagles.
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Haason Reddick is ecstatic to be living just a few minutes away from his favorite cheesesteak spot, Max’s Steaks on Germantown Avenue.
The Camden native and Temple alumnus signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the Eagles as a free agent in March, resulting in a homecoming for the 27-year-old linebacker.
On Friday afternoon, the City of Philadelphia hosted a “Welcome Home” rally for Reddick from the City Hall Courtyard.
“I’m in such a great situation right now,” Reddick said. “I’m happy to be home.”
The rally featured several guest speakers including Temple football coach Stan Drayton, City Council member Isaiah Thomas, and Camden Mayor Vic Carstarphen. Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney presented Reddick with an honorary Liberty Bell award, along with an official citation from City Council.
The most powerful speech came from 9-year-old Yasir Lewis, a running back and safety for the Parkside Saints youth football program. Lewis spoke to the crowd about his experience growing up in West Philadelphia. His message carried weight following the mass shooting last week on South Street that left three dead and 11 wounded.
Said Lewis: “Football provides an outlet for many young kids in Philadelphia who have suffered from gun violence ... including myself.”
Lewis’ message resonated with Reddick, who aspires to create positive change across the city. Asked specifically about potential steps and action, Reddick plans to host youth football camps, and immerse himself throughout the community. He also hinted at offering financial support through various programs in the near future.
“This is what it’s all about — getting out here, being able to reach kids like [Lewis], to try and make a difference in their lives,” Reddick said. “We want to keep him on the right path. We want to keep these kids on the straight path, not have them behind bars, so they can go forward and do what they want to do in their lives.
“I’m trying to reach the youth. They are the future. If I can reach them before they hit 15, 16, 17 years old — when they start to getting to that age when they are going to make decisions on their own — I want to be able to get into their lives and help guide them in the right direction now. I want to genuinely see everybody do better. The best way I feel I can do that is actually get out and be in front of people. That’s what I’m going to do.”
» READ MORE: ‘Dreams come true’: The Eagles’ Haason Reddick changed his career path with the help of family and hometown ties
The Eagles held their sixth and final OTA practice on Wednesday afternoon. Players and coaches will now enjoy a break from on-field activities before they reconvene for training camp, which is scheduled to begin July 26.
Reddick, originally a 2017 first-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals, is expected to have a large presence across the Eagles’ front seven. Over the past two seasons with Arizona and Carolina, he has harassed opposing quarterbacks and backfields, recording 23.5 sacks, 34 quarterback hits, and eight forced fumbles.
“I’m excited to be with these guys, my new teammates,” Reddick said. “With OTAs over, it’s time to continue to grind, continue to train, and get ready for camp. I’m ready to make this push toward the season so we can hit our goals.”