Honestly, there is something about the humid Philly air in August that just feels like football. You know that smell? It’s a mix of fresh-cut grass, stadium hot dogs, and the collective anxiety of fifty thousand people hoping the secondary doesn’t get burned on a deep post route. The eagles open practice 2025 was exactly that. It wasn't just a workout; it was a massive, sweaty family reunion at Lincoln Financial Field.
If you weren't there on Sunday, August 10th, you missed a vibe. The gates opened at 4:00 PM, and by the time the team hit the field around 6:00 PM, the place was electric. People think these practices are just for show, but after coming off a Super Bowl LIX victory, the intensity was weirdly high. Nick Sirianni was everywhere. He has this way of pacing the sidelines that makes you think he might actually suit up if someone misses a block.
Why the eagles open practice 2025 felt different
Most years, the public practice is a bit of a walkthrough. A chance for kids to see Swoop and for the rest of us to drink a $15 beer while watching the third-stringers. But this year? The energy was different. Coming into the 2025 season as the reigning champs changes the stakes. You could see it in the way Jalen Hurts—fresh off being the Super Bowl MVP—was laser-focused.
He stayed late.
Even after the official drills ended around 9:00 PM, he was out there. It wasn't just for the cameras. He was working on a specific timing route with Jahan Dotson. That connection is starting to look scary. Dotson, who the Eagles picked up to add depth, was snagging everything in sight during the 7-on-7 drills. It's funny how quickly a "depth piece" starts looking like a legitimate weapon when the lights are on.
The rookie watch: Mitchell and DeJean
Everyone wanted to see the first-rounders. Quinyon Mitchell is as advertised. He’s sticky in coverage, almost annoying. He had one pass breakup against A.J. Brown that had the whole stadium erupting. Brown gave him a little nod afterward. That’s how you know. If A.J. Brown respects you, you’re doing something right.
Cooper DeJean was the other one. He has this fluidity that doesn't make sense for his size. Seeing them both out there together, it feels like the secondary finally has that "young and hungry" edge that was missing a couple of seasons ago.
The logistics: What you need to know for next time
Tickets were cheap—only $10.25—and the money went to the Eagles Autism Foundation. It’s probably the best ten bucks you can spend in Philadelphia. But the parking? Man, the parking was a journey. It was free, which is great, but because there was another event in the stadium complex, the lots were a mess. If you didn't get there before 6:00 PM, you were basically paying $40 at a private lot or walking from South Jersey.
✨ Don't miss: Alijah Arenas: What Really Happened With Gilbert Arenas Son Accident
- The Yard Sale: This is the sleeper hit of the night. Near Section 132, they had the Eagles Autism Yard Sale. We're talking jerseys, mini-helmets, and even some signed stuff from former players. I saw a guy walk away with a signed Brandon Graham photo and he looked like he’d won the lottery.
- Autographs: They don’t guarantee them. Some kids got lucky near the tunnels, but it’s a bit of a "right place, right time" situation. The alumni were more accessible, though. Seeing some of the legends back on the field really bridges that gap for the older fans.
Position battles in the heat
The linebacker room is actually interesting this year. Zack Baun is back and looks like he hasn't lost a step after his All-Pro 2024 season. But the guy everyone was talking about was Jihaad Campbell. The rookie linebacker is a local kid, and you could tell he was playing with a bit of extra juice. He was flying to the ball.
Then there’s the offensive line. With one starting spot open, the competition was fierce. You don't usually watch the O-line at a public practice, but the "tough, detailed, together" mantra Sirianni preaches was visible in the individual drills. Jeff Stoutland is still out there coaching like his life depends on it. The man is a treasure.
A look at the depth chart shifts
The team made some moves right around the time of the eagles open practice 2025 that caught people off guard. They picked up QB Sam Howell from the Vikings and waived Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Howell looked decent in the limited reps he got. He has a live arm.
✨ Don't miss: Did UConn Women Win? The Truth Behind the Huskies' Dominant 2026 Run
Saquon Barkley, of course, was the main attraction for many. After his historic 2024 campaign, he looks like he’s in the best shape of his life. There was one screen pass where he hit the hole and you could hear the "whoosh" from the stands. He’s just built different.
What the experts are saying
Spadaro was mentioning how Jalen Hurts is answering the "big questions" early this year. The offense is evolving. It’s not just the "tush push" anymore—though they did practice it once to a massive cheer. It’s more sophisticated. The addition of Jahan Dotson and the continued growth of the young tight ends gives Hurts more options than he’s ever had.
The defense, under a new coordinator (again), looked aggressive. They were rotating guys constantly. Jakorian Bennett, who they got from the Raiders, was getting some looks with the second team and held his own. It’s all about depth. In the NFL, you’re one play away from a backup becoming the most important guy on the field.
Practical takeaways for the 2025 season
If you’re planning on following the Birds this year, keep an eye on the injury report—obviously—but also watch the turnover in the practice squad. They just signed eight guys to reserve/future deals, including some guys like Brandon Johnson who actually saw some starts toward the end of the year.
- Arrive Early: For any future open practices, 4:00 PM means 4:00 PM. The good seats in the lower bowl go fast.
- Download the App: Everything is mobile. Don't be that person stuck at the turnstile trying to find a signal to load your Ticketmaster QR code.
- Support the Foundation: The Eagles Autism Foundation is the real deal. Whether it's the 5K or the practice tickets, that money stays local and does real good.
The season didn't end the way anyone wanted—losing to the Niners in the Wild Card was a gut punch—but the eagles open practice 2025 showed that the "prove it all over again" mentality is very much alive. The road to another Super Bowl is long, but it starts on those humid August nights at the Linc.
📖 Related: Bills Chiefs Final Score: What Really Happened in the Latest Chapter
Go Birds.
To get the most out of the upcoming season, make sure your mobile notifications are set for the official Eagles app to catch roster moves in real-time. If you're looking for gear, the pro shop at the stadium often has "practice-only" exclusives that you won't find online, so it's worth a trip even on non-game days.