Philly Leader

On August 28, 2024, the Philadelphia Eagles' preseason game against the New England Patriots saw a standout performance from defensive tackle Thomas Booker. With just over four minutes left in the fourth quarter and the Eagles leading 14-13, Booker made a significant impact by sacking quarterback Joe Milton for a seven-yard loss. His subsequent plays forced a New England punt, showcasing his abilities to NFL scouts, general managers, and coaches.

Booker's efforts in that series were part of a three-tackle performance that caught the attention of the Eagles' coaching staff. He followed this with another strong showing in the preseason finale against Minnesota, recording four tackles and one quarterback hurry. These performances secured his place on the Eagles' 53-man roster as part of their six-player defensive tackle group.

Reflecting on his journey, Booker said, "I think the answer for me is that I'm just present in the moment and if you are out there on the field and you have a chance to make a play, that's the most relevant thing in the world to you." He emphasized treating every opportunity seriously: "You get confidence by treating everything like it's large stakes."

Booker’s NFL career has seen its ups and downs. Drafted by Houston in 2022 as a fifth-round pick, he played ten games with 15 total tackles before being cut by the Texans in summer 2023. Joining the Eagles' practice squad last season marked a turning point for him. At 6-foot-4 and weighing 301 pounds, Booker dedicated himself to improvement under Connor Barwin's player development team at NovaCare Complex.

"When you get cut, you're basically getting told you aren't good enough," Booker shared. "Then I was given another opportunity by the Eagles... I'm a big believer that you take experiences... whether they become meaningful or helpful is about how you look at them."

Booker continues to develop his skills within Philadelphia's talented defensive tackle room. His focus remains on daily goals: "If I stay on my goals day to day, I'll get to where I want to be... If you have the right intentions and stick to them, you'll end up with your intended destination."