Left: Former Eagle Juqua Parker talks about his former team’s potential in the Super Bowl. Right: Parker put pressure on Cowboys’ Tony Romo late in his 2011 NFL game against Dallas. Parker played 12 seasons (4 in Tennessee, 7 in Philadelphia, 1 in Cleveland) and recorded 44 career sacks. / Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski / Associated Press
TYRONE — The Philadelphia Eagle is in our middle and he’ll be pulling his former team in Sunday’s Super Bowl.
Juqua Parker played 12 seasons in the NFL as a defensive end, including 7 seasons with Philadelphia (2005-2011).
Parker arrived in Philadelphia as a free agent after four seasons with the Tennessee Titans.
The Byrds have made the playoffs in four of their seven seasons under Andy Reid, falling short of the 2008 Super Bowl and losing the NFL title game to Arizona.
“Having spent most of my career with the Eagles, I identify with them.” Mr. Parker, who lives in Tyrone, said the other day. “My complete experience was with the Eagles. They gave me a chance to play and show me what I had.”
Parker recorded 44 career sacks. Their passing rush is one of his strengths on the Eagles team.
“It’s going to be a close game[against Kansas City]and it’s going to be a chess game, but I think the Eagles can pull it off.” Parker said. “They have a good defensive line. They have a few guys that rotate to keep everyone fresh. No one is really tired.”
Parker, 44, said Jason Kells and Brandon Graham are the only two Eagles left from the team he played on.
“I haven’t seen it much since I retired.” He said. “I’m watching the playoffs. I’m just sitting back and watching the kids grow up.”
Juqua (pronounced Ja-Quay) moved to Tyrone about ten years ago because his wife, Beth, is from Blair County (Cobh). They have his three children. Her freshmen on the Millersville girls’ basketball team are Jada, Brielle, 13, and Brandon, 7.
He also runs a gym called Power Train Sports & Fitness at State College.
“A lot of people ask me, ‘You’re from Houston, why are you in Pennsylvania?'” He said. “But it’s all good. I met and married a woman, and she’s from the area.
Jaida played at Tyrone Area High School and was a First Team Mirror All-Star — “She had a great career.” Her father said — and Parker was impressed with how the community embraced athletics.
“Everyone is on board” He said. “They support everyone no matter what sport they play, soccer, basketball, football.”
Parker, who played college football at Oklahoma State University, is reserved and his demeanor has affected his family.
“I am proud of what my father has accomplished.” Jada said. “I know he worked hard to get to that level. He encourages me and supports me in whatever I do. A great life lesson is to do your best in whatever you do and always stay humble.”
“I just stay with myself and my family.” Parker said. “I am proud of my career and if I could take over the journey, I would do it all over again.
