From Farm Fields to Viral Fields: Eagles’ Blankenship and DeJean Make Headlines With Hilarious Team Chemistry
In a delightful blend of small-town values and big-city swagger, the Philadelphia Eagles’ secondary is making waves both on and off the field. Reed Blankenship, the farm-raised safety from Alabama, and his teammate Cooper DeJean have turned their unique partnership into internet gold with a viral moment that has fans cheering.
The dynamic duo, affectionately referred to as the “secondairy” by NFL fans, donned matching t-shirts labeled “Exciting Whites” for Thursday’s game against the Washington Commanders, a clever reference to a popular wine store meme. But behind this lighthearted moment lies a deeper story of determination and family values.
Blankenship’s journey to NFL stardom reads like a classic American success story. Raised on a cattle farm in Alabama by his parents, Troy and Sandra Blankenship, Reed learned the value of hard work long before touchdown celebrations.
Troy, a designer at a 3M plant in Decatur, and Sandra, a retired school teacher, built the foundation for their son’s success through unwavering support and practical life lessons.
“He would just go 100 percent. He just has that mindset,” Troy shares about his son’s work ethic, a trait clearly shaped by those early morning farm duties.
The duo’s on-field performance has been nothing short of remarkable. DeJean has stunned critics with an impressive 85.9 PFF coverage rating, leading all cornerbacks with at least 150 coverage snaps.
He’s also tops in the NFL for allowing the fewest yards per target by a cornerback this season. Meanwhile, Blankenship has become a reliable force in the Eagles’ secondary, bringing that farm-grown grit to every play.
Sandra and Troy have witnessed their son’s journey from local high school games to the NFL, missing only one college game during the COVID season. Sandra considers Reed’s journey from West Limestone High to Middle Tennessee State, where he shattered the school’s tackle record, as a blessing.
The viral t-shirt moment, shared widely on social media, showcases something special about this Eagles team—their ability to blend serious athletic talent with genuine personality.
The “Exciting Whites” shirts, referencing their unique status as white players in the secondary, demonstrate their comfort with self-deprecating humor and team chemistry.
“I’m the type of guy who never forgets where he came from,” Blankenship has said, and it shows. Whether he’s making plays on the field or joining his teammate in viral social media moments, that small-town authenticity shines through.
The Eagles’ secondary has become more than just a defensive unit—it’s become a symbol of how different backgrounds and personalities can come together to create something special. From Blankenship’s farming roots to DeJean’s stellar rookie performance, they’re proving that chemistry off the field often leads to success on it.
As the Eagles continue their season, fans can’t help but root for this authentic duo. They’ve shown that whether it’s tackling offensive players or tackling stereotypes with humor, they’re ready to make their mark in the NFL—one play and one viral moment at a time.