Jalen Hurts Quietly Helps Veteran Defender Through Hard Times After Horrific Car Accident, A Gesture That Left the Entire Eagles Locker Room in Tears
The Eagles locker room has always been a place of brotherhood, but what happened this past week reminded everyone that family goes far beyond football.
After Marcus Epps was hospitalized following a serious car accident on his way to the NovaCare Complex, the entire Eagles organization was shaken. The veteran safety suffered a leg injury and was immediately placed on Injured Reserve as doctors began extensive evaluations. Players and staff visited him throughout the week, but one gesture stood out above the rest.
According to team sources, Jalen Hurts quietly drove to the hospital right after finishing Friday’s training session. He spent hours at Epps’ bedside, covering part of his medical costs and arranging for a specialized medical team to assist in his recovery. Hurts asked not to make the visit public — but word spread quickly inside the facility.
“That’s who Jalen is,” one teammate shared. “He leads by heart. He didn’t do it for attention — he did it because he truly cares about every man in this locker room.”
Hurts also made a special request to team management: that Marcus Epps’ locker remain untouched until he’s ready to return. Above it, he asked the staff to place a small plaque reading:
“Family doesn’t clock out.”
When players walked into the locker room the next morning and saw the sign, several were moved to tears. It was a simple reminder that, in Philadelphia, unity isn’t just a slogan — it’s a way of life.
Later, when reporters asked about Epps’ condition, Hurts finally spoke about it for the first time.
"When I heard about the accident, my heart sank,” Hurts said quietly. “You never want to get that kind of call about someone you go to battle with every day. But family takes care of family. We’re going to be right there with him, every step until he walks back into this locker room again. He’s my brother. We fight together, we win together, and when one of us is down, we all lift him up. This team is family. Always has been, always will be.”
In a season filled with highs and lows, the moment served as a powerful reflection of what defines the Eagles beyond the scoreboard — compassion, loyalty, and unbreakable brotherhood.
Eagles Legend Brandon Graham Officially Returns to Active Roster, Set for Season Debut vs. Packers at Lambeau
After months of speculation and weeks of anticipation, it’s official, Brandon Graham is back. The longest-tenured player in Eagles history has been removed from the exempt list and added to the team’s 53-man roster, marking the latest step in his remarkable comeback journey.
Graham, 37, initially retired in March after 15 incredible seasons with Philadelphia. But when the Eagles’ pass rush began to show signs of wear midseason, the veteran leader couldn’t stay away for long. He re-signed on
He is expected to make his season debut on Monday night against the Green Bay Packers
“Once you’ve bled green this long, it’s not just football anymore, it’s family,” Graham said with a grin after practice. “I told the guys, if there’s still fight left in this body, I’m giving it to Philly. One more run. One more shot at that Lombardi.”
This will be Graham’s 16th season in midnight green, a franchise record. Since being drafted 13th overall in 2010, he has become one of the most beloved Eagles of all time, ranking
Fans will never forget his legendary strip sack on Tom Brady
As the Eagles prepare for the second half of the season, Graham will join a revamped defensive front featuring Jaelan Phillips, Jordan Davis, and Zack Baun. His leadership, experience, and voice in the locker room are seen as invaluable for a defense that currently ranks fifth in sacks and continues to evolve under coordinator
“People talk about stats, but for me, it’s about moments, being with my brothers, hearing the crowd roar, feeling that energy,” Graham added. “If this is my last run, I want it to be one that Philly never forgets.”
