The Eagles recently made a huge, franchise-altering move that created buzz throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding region.
Forget the Sam Bradford trade.
They cut Paul Turner!
Turner, an undrafted receiver from Louisiana Tech, impressed fans and coaches alike during training camp and the preseason, eventually earning a spot on the Eagles’ 53-man roster. But the team waived him a day later, to bring in speedy San Francisco castoff Bryce Treggs.
Finally, the Eagles added Turner to the practice squad Monday.
Through it all, Eagles fans who had become strong supporters of Turner applauded, then condemned, then applauded the team on social media.
“I had no clue at first but I had some people tell me, some family members told me some things on social media and whatnot,” Turner said Friday. “I thought it was crazy at first. I didn’t know how much they were behind me. I was really thankful for the support. I love the fans. It was quite amazing just to see some of that happen.”
Turner heard about the social media support from his family and friends. In fact, Turner deleted his social media applications — Twitter included — before the weekend of final cuts.
“I didn’t even want to be tempted to look,” Turner said.
After he was re-signed to the Eagles’ practice squad Monday, Turner re-downloaded the apps to his phone and read some of the messages from fans.
“It was definitely cool looking at it," he said, "especially not going through something like that before.”
Saturday through Monday was a tough stretch for Turner. He said he went from excitement, to uncertainty to just “leaving it in God’s hands.” When he was cut, it was stressful, but he knew he’d be playing football Monday, he just didn’t know where.
After going unclaimed on waivers, Turner (who led the NFL in preseason receptions with 17) had a few other offers to join practice squads. Ultimately, though, he decided to come back to the Eagles, where he already knew the offense, was comfortable and where he thinks he’ll have a chance to get called up later in the season if he keeps grinding.
His decision made many fans very happy.
Like several training camps favorites who have come before him, Turner has the qualities this fan base (and others) seem to gravitate toward.
“I guess that fans like an ‘underdog story’ if that’s how you kind of want to put it,” Turner said. “I mean, I like it. If they’re behind me, I’m really appreciative of it. Everyone can always support someone who goes out there and works hard, but we’re all out there and working hard. A lot of people appreciate my story and if that’s what it is, hey, I’ll take it.”