Words of wisdom: Former Eagle Mike Reichenbach was the guest speaker at the Tacony Police Athletic League summer camp on Aug. 20.
While the current Philadelphia Eagles were preparing for last week’s preseason game against the Steelers, a former Eagle was sharing some of his compelling football and life experiences with a group of Northeast youths.
Mike Reichenbach was the guest speaker at the Tacony Police Athletic League summer camp on Aug. 20. Reichenbach was a linebacker for the Eagles from 1984 to ’89, followed by a two-year stint with the 49ers. He spoke to the PAL campers about his life before football, as well as his struggle to survive as an NFL player.
Despite being relatively small for a linebacker, Reichenbach excelled at NCAA Division II East Stroudsburg University. His intelligence caught the eye of Marion Campbell, the Eagles’ head coach at the time. Reichenbach soon made his name in the pro game and, when Buddy Ryan took over the team, became the signal caller in the new coach’s formidable “46” defense, alongside greats including Reggie White and Jerome Brown.
Reichenbach told the PAL campers that his hard work and dedication as a youth were key to reaching his goals and his ultimate success. The ex-pro, who now coaches football at Calvary Christian Academy in Somerton, finished the day by speaking with campers individually, signing autographs and posing for photos. ••
