Second Act

PHILADELPHIA – This was supposed to be the year Eagles cornerback Kelee Ringo climbed atop the depth chart, putting his stamp on a starting role.

The third-year pro, in light of free agent departures Darius Slay and Isaiah Rodgers, entered training camp as the favorite to start at corner opposite Quinyon Mitchell. The team doubled down in its support of Ringo by not seeking an external upgrade and bypassing the opportunity to draft one early.

The job was his for the taking.

But Ringo would split first-team reps with veteran Adoree’ Jackson for much of camp before ultimately giving way to Jackson, who started the first three games.

Further complicating matters is that the team eventually sought an external reinforcement, trading for Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett, who bumped the 23-year-old Ringo further down in the pecking order.

In a twist that hardly seemed plausible two months ago, Ringo has been relegated exclusively to special teams duties, where, through three games, he leads the unit in third phase snaps with 62, accounting for 84 percent of the total.

And for as quickly as Ringo became an afterthought in the public eye, circumstances could present him with an opportunity to showcase what he’s been working on behind the scenes.

Bennett, on Wednesday, was placed on Injured Reserve and Jackson is sidelined with a groin injury, potentially setting the stage for a Ringo narrative revision. Ringo, who has never got down on himself, has plenty of support inside the building, as evidenced by the vote of confidence expressed by defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

“I’ve told Kelee here recently, not in the last few days, but since the end of camp, he’s going to get his opportunity at some point,” Fangio said, “and he’s got to be ready.

The ebbs and flows of a season typically require that reserves be mentally prepared to be primed and ready for an elevated role at a moment’s notice, placing an emphasis on preparedness and detail for when one’s number is called.

But sometimes, a step back can aid development in a different way, allowing someone to absorb mental reps and view the game through a different lens. For Ringo, his perspective highlighted his belief in himself and thirst for self-improvement.

“I’m a student of the game,” he said. “I love the game regardless of what my role is. The only thing that you can do in that situation is continue to get mental reps and just see things from a different point of view.

“I think you can only grow from things like that, when you’re seeing things from another set of eyes. It can definitely help you a lot.”

PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images/Mitchell Leff: Eagles CB Kelee Ringo could see another opportunity to play on defense soon.

Ringo, who last logged defensive snaps in Super Bowl LIX, missed the preseason finale with a quad injury, depriving him of one more chance to make a late push.

While he’s starred as a gunner on game days – Ringo is among the league’s best when it comes to that role – he has also made strides at his position of trade in the weeks since camp broke for the summer.

“I would say I’d rather show you than tell you,” he said with a wide grin before citing his lateral quickness and desire to become a playmaker on the field.

He acknowledged the NFL being a “production-based business,” especially at his position. He knows he needs to find a way to make plays on the football, fixate in on technique and consistently demonstrate growth. And, from all accounts, he has.

“I’m a huge believer in what you put in the game is what you’re gonna get out of it,” he said. “And I’ve been putting in time, and I just feel like the results are gonna lay where they shall fall.”

Plenty of time remains until the final injury report of the week is revealed, which this week directly impacts Ringo, but the Georgia product has taken everything in stride and responded admirably, supported by Ringo’s adamance of staying true to who he is and his religious faith.

He knows what he’s capable of and has a strong support system backing him, so it doesn’t take much to stoke the fire within. Ringo is wired to be prepared whenever his number is called, and while a reminder probably wasn’t needed given his DNA, Fangio has told him that on more than one occasion over the past few weeks.

“A few times, but that’s more being just an athlete and competitor,” Ringo said. “I feel like the best thing you can do for yourself when opportunities do come, is just stay prepared, no matter what that is.

“Not even more somebody else telling you that, just believing that within yourself whenever another opportunity does come, the best thing that you can do is stay ready for it.”

— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.