‘Adversity, Adversity, Adversity’

PHILADELPHIA — Even in what can only be described as a cameo role, the sporadic, punishing, unforgiving scampers were enough to pique curiosity.

The style, albeit a tad unconventional, illustrates an appreciable desperation, an urgency to manufacture positive yards, even when converging defenders appear to have him in their crosshairs. Some might interpret those inspiring Tank Bigsby carries as a young running back striving to make best use of his minimal opportunities.

The reality, however, is that his pressing nature is inherent, influenced by experiences gleaned from childhood.

Bigsby, originally from Atlanta, moved with his mother, Shaquanna — who coined the name “Tank” when Bigsby was 7 years old — down to LaGrange, Ga. Bigsby fondly remembers his formative years growing up in LaGrange, a small city nestled in Troup County with a population of fewer than 32,000.

“It’s a small town, but it’s a loving town,” he said. “Got great people there that still hold me accountable to what I told them I want to accomplish in my life.”

Eagles RB Tank Bigsby’s running style of finding holes that aren’t there trace back to how he grew up.

Through selflessness and resilience, Shaquanna not only raised Bigsby, but also his older brother, Cedric, and younger brother, A.J., whom Bigsby referred to as a “baller.” Bigsby proudly recalled his mother, fired from multiple jobs, taking everything in stride, refusing to allow hardships to alter purpose.

Circumstances notwithstanding, Shaquanna always ensured her children were well-cared for and at the forefront, her smile never wavering. Bigsby even remembered his mother devoting whatever supplementary time she did have to their local church.

From Bigsby’s perspective, he saw his mother “fall and get back up, without no excuse,” which he said ingrained in him that “anything is possible” and he too could apply that perseverance in life.

“So, that’s why I be more at peace and patient with a lot of things, because I seen the patience that she had, through all the trials she’s been through,” he added.

Bigsby’s mother, needless to say, is his “why” – why he carries her outlook, and perspective derived from adolescence, with him wherever he goes. To further exemplify the significance and influence of his mother, and grandmother, Bigsby pointed to his chest, where both are commemorated among his many tattoos.

Bigsby would ultimately rise to prominence at Callaway High School in Hogansville, about a 20-minute trek from LaGrange. Callaway, a notable rival of LaGrange High School, was where Bigsby rushed for 2,221 yards for the Cavaliers as a junior and combined for 3,857 rushing yards and 49 touchdowns over his final two seasons. It’s also where Bigsby shaped his running style.

Bigsby’s untraditional running methods reflect his mother’s penchant for always finding a way. When a play isn’t ideally blocked up, Bigsby creates his own avenues. He finds a way.

Whenever defenders approach, Bigsby never concedes, instead tapping into his innate feel for spacing to salvage the attempt — or running through them. It’s a flair that strays from the norm, to be sure, but much of it can be directly attributed to his upbringing.

“It comes from adversity, adversity, adversity,” he said. “I ain’t gonna lie. Different trials, just learning … the experiences I’ve been through growing up as a kid. How life was for my mom, and us in general, and just seeing her make a way for all of us. And I always told myself, as a man, you could make it happen.

“I put it in football, too. Somebody’s in front of me, and my guys need 1 or 2 yards, what can I do to make that happen? Because we’re not gonna be perfect; the guys on the other side play ball, too. They’re professionals. So, when a guy messes up, I don’t be like, ‘Oh, you blanked up.’ How can I make him right?

“That’s the mindset that I have because there’s a lot of times where they’ve made me right. And I’m very thankful for my teammates for those moments. I just feel like my childhood and things I’ve been through gives me that juice.”

Bigsby’s opportunities with the Eagles have been scarce, carrying just 58 times for 344 yards and two touchdowns over the course of 16 games. Calls for a larger role from the outside intensified throughout the season, seemingly every week in light of the enduring ineffectiveness plaguing the ground game.

While most of his runs are generally kicked outside, the 24-year-old created a tangible spark for an offense searching for answers. There’s always a sense of thrill and unpredictability in every run, with the potential for a home run.

While Bigsby would surely shoulder a heftier workload elsewhere, his role in Philadelphia, though perhaps poised to grow entering the postseason, is unique. The Eagles happen to employ reigning 2,000-yard rusher Saquon Barkley, heralded among the best at his position. Barkley, a volume runner, is a game-changer who last season fueled the Eagles’ offense and will be key to another deep postseason run.

The Eagles have a full cupboard of playmakers, with only so many touches to go around. But should Barkley need a blow, or if the offense opts for a change-up on occasion, Bigsby has proven himself as a dependable option when called upon.

With a new season fast approaching, it’s likely the Eagles will turn to their philosophical approach of leaning into the running game with Barkley, but Bigsby will be a part of it.

As for Bigsby’s counterpart, Barkley, the 2024 Offensive Player of the Year, there was little he could do to contain his admiration for his teammate. In contrast to how Bigsby is viewed from the outside, as part of a complementary 1-2 punch, Barkley sees it differently.

“I think he’s great in his own way,” Barkley said. “He’s does a really good job of creating YAC after contact; he’s hard to bring down; he runs physical. He’s elusive. You seen the jump cut the other day, [against] Washington.

“I think Howie did a really good job of bringing him here. And he’s a spark to our room and he’s a spark to this team. And I’m exited, being a little older than him, to help him out in his career.

“I don’t really look at it like a 1-2 thing; I think it’s more of a 1-1 thing. He’s a talented back and he’s shown that multiple times. I know how we feel about him in the running back room, I know how this team feels about him. And if not, hopefully soon the city of Philadelphia.”

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