Looking back at Brent Celek’s most memorable moments during his time with the Eagles

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It’s only been a few days since the release of Brent Celek, but this is a move that will undoubtedly leave a big hole in the Eagles locker room. His presence, leadership and sheer determination are incredible qualities and there will only ever be one Brent Celek. A tight end who became the longest tenured athlete in Philadelphia through the most undulating of times. Today, we take a look back at some of his finest moments.

 

Snow Bowl slide:
The ‘Snow Bowl’ has already become one of the most memorable games in Eagles history. A shootout between the Eagles and Lions in the 2013 season in absolutely horrific conditions made for an absolute classic. With two minutes to go, it was the decision-making of Brent Celek that arguably secured a crucial in in week 14. It was 4th and 12 with two minutes remaining and Brent Celek burst into the open field with ease. Nick Foles fired a beautiful pass into his clutches and Celek stretched his legs and made for the end zone. Aware of how long was left in the game, Celek slid within field goal range, knowing Detroit were out of timeouts. This gave Philadelphia a fresh set of downs inside the red zone, all but sealing the deal. And it made for some beautiful photos too.

 

Miracle in the Meadowlands:
The Miracle in the Meadowlands may be the most iconic Eagles victory of all and the comeback was kickstarted with a lethal 65-yard touchdown from Brent Celek.

With 7:41 left in the fourth quarter, the remarkable comeback started. A great catch and some eye-popping evasiveness from the big tight end injected a surge of momentum into the Eagles offense. Something that would of course later go on to change the unchangeable.

 

Bye bye!
When I think of Brent Celek, I will always think of this stunning leap over 9-time Pro Bowler, Ed Reed. This needs little explanation as to why, with Celek making an absolute meal of one of the best to ever do it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGp6KGknJPc

 

Oh captain, my captain:
What’s better than scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys? A touchdown celebration that resembles the Captain Morgan Stance. Heroic.

 

Birdgang:
If there’s one thing we hear all the time when it comes to Celek, it’s his leadership. Even in his final season, where his role was marginalized and his impact as a receiving tight end was minimal, he still found a way to lead the ‘Flying V’ with the younger birds under his wing. In context, it really does bring a tear to the eye.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOwUVA2qe_c

 

The moment it all came to be:
The longest tenured athlete in Philadelphia prior to his release, Celek’s journey was remarkable.

Celek started his career as an Eagle back in 2007 when he was drafted in the fifth round. The Cincinnati product would go on to become the longest tenured Eagle, receiving for 4,998 yards and 31 touchdowns during his time in midnight green. His journey with the Eagles ended in the best way possible. Celek had seen it all. The highs, the lows, the Chip Kelly era, the dawn of a new beginning. But he hadn’t won a Super Bowl…that was until earlier this year when the Eagles triumphed in true underdog fashion over the New England Patriots. It was only fitting that Brent Celek, a player who did so much for the community during his time in Philadelphia, would end his career as an Eagle as a Super Bowl champion.

Celek had only been to one championship game in his career and in 2018 he was able to not only win another, but go on to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.

“You’ve got a guy in Celek who is one of the all time greats in Philly, maybe the best tight end Philly has ever had.” Trey Burton explained to me earlier this year. “The way he’s treated me, I have the upmost respect for that guy and would do anything for him. I’m extremely thankful for him.”

“Brent Celek defines what it means to be a Philadelphia Eagle.” The Eagles announced via press release at the time of the cut. “His dedication to his profession and this organization is unmatched and he will go down as one of the best tight ends in franchise history. Brent embodied the City of Philadelphia’s temperament and character with his toughness and grit. He has been a huge part of everything we have been building over the last decade and it is only fitting that he was able to help us win our first Super Bowl last season. Unfortunately, in this business we are forced to make difficult decisions, especially this time of the year. This one is as tough as they come, but in our eyes, Brent will always be an Eagle.”

 

An Eagle in every sense of the word, Brent Celek’s legacy will never be forgotten.

 

 

Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports