Philly Leader

Nakobe Dean's NFL journey has not unfolded as he initially envisioned when the Philadelphia Eagles selected him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. His path has been marred by injuries, but Dean remains undeterred by these setbacks, believing his comeback will be even more significant.

The third-year linebacker has shown promise this preseason and is a strong contender for one of the inside positions in Vic Fangio's defense. After recovering from a series of foot injuries that limited him to five games last season, Dean has been working closely with the Eagles' Sports Medicine and Performance staff in Philadelphia.

Dean's rehabilitation process was extensive and demanding. He spent long hours at the NovaCare Complex, addressing both physical and mental challenges posed by a Lisfranc sprain that curtailed his season after just 182 defensive snaps.

"It definitely was a long road," Dean said. "The injury I had was a tough one, but I feel good now. Strong. Feel like I'm back."

Dean feels he is not just back to his pre-injury form but is an improved player overall—physically stronger due to rigorous rehab and mentally fortified by overcoming adversity.

Dean's commitment to football and hard work is evident from his daily routine at the NovaCare Complex, where he is often among the first to arrive and last to leave. His return to the field during spring OTAs and Training Camp marked a significant milestone in his recovery.

"It was amazing to get back on the field and playing football," said Dean, who led the Eagles with five total tackles in Friday night's preseason win at New England after registering a tackle and a pass defensed in 19 snaps at Baltimore. "The injury that I had, it was hard and it was long. I didn't have a day off. I didn't have an offseason. It was at least five days a week all the way up until Training Camp started as far as getting the foot right."

"I'm not back. I'm better."

In Year 3, Dean believes he has surpassed his previous performance levels. He attributes this improvement to both physical recovery and increased mental resilience.

"Every bit of it, I'm better," he said. "I feel like I've been better than in my first two years. The injury, working helped me get back to myself physically, and it made me mentally stronger, spiritually stronger, and has kind of helped lock me in."

As Dean continues to mature as a player, he focuses on pre- and post-practice routines necessary for enduring an extended season.

"I'm older and I'm maturing and a lot of the little things that I've got to do post-practice, pre-practice to get my body ready to endure a 17-game, 20-game, 21-game season, I'm doing. It has pushed me and I'm clawing my way back."

Dean's progress will be closely watched as he integrates into Fangio's defense—a system he finds well-suited to his skills.

"This defense is right for me and what I do," he said. "It very much fits me so I am embracing it and looking to play my best ball."

Reflecting on his collegiate success at Georgia—where he won SEC Defensive Player of the Year Award while helping secure a National Championship—Dean hopes his enhanced abilities will benefit the Eagles throughout the season.

"Hard work—that's something I love—and this has been hard," he said. "I'm not going to let it stop me. It's pushing me to be better every day."