Herson Reddick crouched low, stared straight into the large group of high school students, and yelled, “Look what!”
The Eagles’ All-Pro linebackers watched closely as local youth participated in a variety of soccer drills as part of Reddick’s fifth youth camp on Saturday morning at a playground along Camden’s waterfront. .
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Over 300 children aged 7 to 16 attended the three-hour free camp. Reddick began with a greeting urging local youth to stay away from violence and to participate actively in after-school activities and sports.
“This means everything,” Reddick said. “These kids are the future. I just want to do my part and come out here and give them guidance and give them someone to look up to. It’s the land, I played right after crossing the bridge.
“I want to build a tradition. I’m trying to leave something behind. I want to make an impact in the lives of these children.
“Hopefully in 10 years they’ll say, ‘I remember going to Harson Reddick Camp!'” I hope you can stand in your shoes or take my place and be able to do the same for the next generation. ”
Camden Mayor Vic Carsterfen added: “Harson is always stepping up. Now that I am home, I have never said no to my child.
“Despite being pulled in different directions, he understands the importance of inspiring young people.”
In March 2022, the Eagles signed Temple University graduate Camden native Reddick to a three-year, $45 million deal.
In his first season back home, Reddick, 28, proved he was worth everything.
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He earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors and terrorized the opposing backfield before entering the best year of his career. Reddick finished the regular season with 16 sacks (second-most in the NFL) and five forced fumbles (tied for most in the NFL). The 6-foot-1, 240-pound pass rusher also became the first player in NFL history to record double-digit sacks in three consecutive seasons with three different teams (Arizona Cardinals, 2020; Carolina Panthers, 2021). ).
“That’s great,” said Anton Dyer, a longtime Camden County youth coach. “He’s been successful in the NFL and has proven that he can be one of the best players in the world. He’s a role model and shows them that they can do it too.”
Reddick said he is looking forward to training camp, which is set to begin on July 25. The defense has three pass rushers who had double-digit sacks last season: Reddick, Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham. The unit also recruits new defensive coordinator Sean Desai and a pair of 2023 first-round picks defensive tackle Jaylen Carter and linebacker Nolan Smith.
Despite some changes, Reddick said continued veteran leadership should ease the transition. The Eagles are still widely viewed as having the potential to win again as NFC champions.
Reddick, who is in his second year with his hometown team, wants to assert himself further, especially as the leader of the defensive room.
“I feel very good,” he said. “I know it sounds crazy, but I feel like I still have a level to challenge. I want to take things forward and what the team has been doing.
“We know the end goal, but it starts with striving for continued success.”
