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Update:
Eagles linebacker Myles Jack has decided to retire from the NFL at age 27, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
Update: #Eagles LB Myles Jack is retiring, according to @RapSheet
The former 2nd round pick by the #Jaguars recently said he was considering becoming a plumber or electrician before Philly recently called him, so maybe he'll go back to that.
More on that here:… pic.twitter.com/yXUYyl2PLl
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 20, 2023
Original Story:
Newly signed Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Myles Jack has revealed his unique journey from being a football standout to contemplating a career in the trades, via TheAthletic’s Zach Berman.
The former second-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars shared that he had considered pursuing a path as an electrician or plumber before his recent call-up by the Eagles this week.
Jack, who was recently cut from the Pittsburgh Steelers, found himself at a crossroads in his career. Uncertain about his future in professional football, he seriously contemplated the possibility of enrolling in trade school to learn the skills of an electrician or plumber.
“Time waits for nobody,” Jack commented, acknowledging the importance of taking initiative in shaping his destiny.
It’s worth noting that Jack had previously secured a lucrative $57 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, his desire to remain active and innovative pushed him to explore alternative paths.
“I like to work. I couldn’t sit at home. I’ve been blessed to make a lot of money. I could retire and sit at the house. …I want to be innovative. If a Zombie apocalypse came, I want to be able to build something,” Jack stated, revealing his strong work ethic and determination.
Upon his arrival in Philadelphia, Jack brought with him only the essentials – two pairs of drawers, two pairs of socks, and a Bible. Despite the minimal luggage, and he wasted no time making an impact on the Eagles’ team dynamics.
Remarkably, Jack was placed in the first-team lineup as a linebacker on his very first day with the team.
Myles Jack’s journey from considering a trade career to quickly transitioning into a pivotal role on the Eagles’ roster underscores how wild his NFL story almost was.