‘Pretty Surreal Experience’
Rookie Diary With Will Shipley
PHILADELPHIA — Stationed between the locker stalls of fellow running backs Kenny Gainwell and Saquon Barkley, Will Shipley, the Eagles’ fourth-round pick in April’s draft, has so far managed to remain relatively inconspicuous amongst a crowded locker room.
The Clemson product, seemingly always bearing a widespread grin and radiating positive energy, typically grants any and all interview requests. And without breaking his buoyant character, the 21-year-old Shipley responds to each query with thoughtfulness and gratitude, his appreciation apparent for the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream.
While the Weddington, N.C., native doesn’t yet command the same swarm of notepads and recorders as Barkley does, he’ll probably be holding court in front of his own locker stall before long.
For now, Shipley, who logged four offensive snaps and 17 more on special teams in the season opener in Sao Paulo, Brazil, has undertaken a cameo role behind Barkley and Gainwell, though his function within offensive coordinator Kellen Moore’s offense should only continue to grow in coming weeks.
With explosiveness, open-field wiggle and plenty of juice to go the distance on any given play qualifying as Shipley’s prominent characteristics – coupled with his strides in pass protection – a breakthrough appears inevitable.
Until then, though, Shipley remains fixated on his assignments, however large or small they might be, and contributing to the team’s success in a measurable way.
As part of an Inside The Birds “Rookie Diary” series, I’ll be checking in with Shipley throughout the season, learning more about the first-year running back and chronicling his rookie campaign.
On Friday, we chatted for our first installment.
After introductions, Shipley and I discussed everything from navigating a 10-hour flight, recapping his regular-season debut, a certain off-field passion, and recalling his fondest Monday Night Football memory.
Q: The last time we spoke, you talked about catching up on Season 2 of Prison Break on the 10-hour flight to Brazil. How’d that work out?
Will: “It was great. Got a bunch of episodes in, on to Season 3 now. Actually just started that now with my fiancé. So, we made some progress since we last spoke.”[Laughs]
Q: How did you personally go about acclimating once you got off the plane and back into your routine?
Will: “Yeah, you know, they did a great job right when we got to the hotel, having a little session to get the blood flowing again. And then just making sure you’re staying moving, having those tights on. So, just all about blow flow and all the science and stuff. Just making sure that you’re moving’ around and feeling good.”
Q: What was going through your mind the night before your first regular season game?
Will: “Aw, there was a lot of things. I think just how thankful I was, first and foremost, to be in the position I am. And just thanking my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, for putting me where I am. And just trying to take advantage of all the opportunities that are in front of me. There was a bunch of emotions and just thoughts, but I’d say that was kinda forefront of them, for sure.”
Q: Did you lean on anyone in particular in terms of what to expect?
Will: “I wouldn’t say so. I’m really a guy that keeps to myself more, takes things on and just learns from new experiences and opportunities. So, obviously asking the vets and stuff how the first game is – coach [Jemal] Singleton, and out there during the walkthrough we were talking about it – but just going out there and taking the moment for what it is and taking it all in was a big part for me.”
Q: Now, are you someone who has pregame superstitions or rituals?
Will: “No. Not big on those. Sometimes I listen to music, sometimes I won’t. I don’t know, I’ve never been big on the superstition part because I just feel like if you miss something, then you might not be ready to go or something like that. I just like going out there and playing ball.”
Q: Speaking of music, you’re a big fan of Christian rap. What sparked that interest and who are some artists?
Will: “Great story. So, when I was back at Clemson, we played up at Syracuse, and Cade Klubnik, our quarterback, had a relationship with Hulvey. So, he was really the first artist that I listened to. He came and spoke to the team, got acquainted with him and absolutely love his music. He’s a great artist. And then, Forrest Frank is another one I listen to. What you listen to and what you surround yourself with – I guess is what I’m trying to get at – I feel like has a bigger influence than people realize. I just love to listen to that stuff when I do listen to music. I’m not a huge music guy in and of itself, but when I do, Hulvey, Forrest Frank … guys that are putting out the right message in my beliefs is what I like to listen to.”
Q: I also understand you have a passion for the culinary arts. What drove that interest?
Will: “My mom. My mom and my grandmother, we call her ninny. But both of them are amazing cooks. Any time I needed something or was hungry, they did a great job making sure I was fed correctly and in the right way. If I could have my ninny’s hoagies and my mom’s quesadillas right now, I’d be a happy man. Just about any time; it can flip my whole mood around. So, yeah, that’s what first got me into it … mom always cooking and just being there in the kitchen watching over her shoulder. And then kinda just picking up new recipes. When I got into college, I figured out I wanted some homemade food, but didn’t have anyone there to cook it for me. So, kinda picked it up a little more then and then I’ve just gotten more and more into it. Learned more recipes and tried different things.”
Q: What’s your go-to meal right now?
Will: “Right now, we got some bison with taco seasoning. Sweet potatoes, cut up into little dices with some maple syrup or honey and avocados.”
Q: Nice!
Will: “Me and my fiancée have it at least once a week. Sometimes two or three. We kinda just discovered bison meat within the last year, but just love it. It’s got great properties. They say the fat is almost as healthy as the fat from avocados. So, just trying to be healthy and enjoy my meals.
Q: Did you happen to have a ‘welcome to the NFL moment’ during the preseason or even last week in Brazil?
Will: “I think, for me, if I had to choose one, it was the National Anthem presented at the Brazil game. Just hearing our National Anthem and then hearing the Brazilian National Anthem was a pretty surreal experience. And just a lot of emotions. I could see everybody in the crowd; they were showing people crying after it. It made me realize how much people care. And for me to be one of the players to run out on that field and represent the Philadelphia Eagles – I wouldn’t say mind-blowing, but just a dream come true and something that was really cool for me.”
Q: You saw the field for four offensive snaps. Were you surprised with how you were utilized? What were your takeaways?
Will: “I was super pumped to get out on the field and just take care of my job. And whatever that entails is what I’m gonna continue to embrace, any opportunity that comes my way. It’s a long season – I’ve got a lot of improving to do – so that’s just what I’m focused on, is making sure week-by-week, I’m getting better, day-by-day, I’m getting better. And just going out there and having fun while doing it.”
Q: If you had to pick one thing to improve upon from Week 1 to Week 2, what would that be?
Will: “I would say in terms of special teams – because that’s a big part of my role right now – is just understanding the fronts as the punt protector, so I can see things, send the center the right way. And protecting; getting down the field after the ball is kicked. And making some tackles, making some plays down there.”
Q: What’s your fondest Monday Night Football memory?
Will: “That’s a great question. You know, I honestly couldn’t tell ya. I don’t have one off the top of my head where I remember it was Monday Night Football. I do remember always asking my parents if I could stay up. [Laughs]. It’s the late kickoffs, my parents were really big on academics and getting to bed early, so I didn’t watch too many Monday night games growing up. But whenever they let me watch one, I always enjoyed it.”
– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.
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