There wasn’t a workout. Not even a tryout. Not even a phone call.
Jaboree Williams has been home in the Miami area since participating in the Eagles’ rookie minicamp back in the spring.
After a solid career at Wake Forest, where he was a four-year letterwinner and a two-year starter at middle linebacker, the 6-foot, 245-pound Williams expected at least a nibble from NFL teams.
It never happened.
Until Saturday.
The Eagles called Williams and told him to jump on the next flight to Philly. The Eagles were releasing veteran linebacker Corey Nelson and replacing him on the 90-man roster with the 22-year-old Williams.
“Its been extremely hard, but I keep faith in God,” Williams said at his locker Sunday. “Everybody’s journey is different. Once I got the call, just have to make the most of it.”
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It’s not easy watching just about every other college senior at least get an opportunity while you’re back home working out every day just waiting for a chance.
“I was surprised,” he said. “Really didn’t speak much to anybody during this process of waiting so when I got the call yesterday I was ecstatic.”
Williams was at practice Sunday wearing jersey No. 48. He’ll practice Monday and Tuesday, and he plans on playing against the Jets Thursday night in the final preseason game.
“Hope to show them what I’m all about,” he said. “A physical guy, a guy that’s going to work his butt off. Thank God for getting an opportunity. It’s been a long couple months. I’m finally here and I’m thankful.”
Williams knows what he faces.
Final cuts are scheduled for next Saturday, and at this point his chances of making the roster are just about nil.
So all he’s concerned with is making the most out of the next few days. Whatever happens next, it’s better than working out on his own back in Miami.
“Definitely getting an opportunity is a blessing in itself,” he said. “Just having an opportunity to go to practice and play in this last preseason game is huge. Just have to perform and be ready.”