Since the beginning of the 2017 offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles have been actively, building up their roster. From the additions of wide receivers Alshon Jefferey and Torrey Smith, to filling out the offensive line with Chance Warmack and the re-signing of Stefhen Wisniewski. Curiously enough, with all the movement that the Birds’ have had, one addition has gone relatively unnoticed. The addition of OG/C Josh Leribeus.
A former 3rd round pick in 2012 of the Washington Redskins, Leribeus, has had an up and down career up until now. On one hand he has the capability to, and has played both the center and guard position at a high level. On the other hand, he has had his share of “issues”, from coming in 30 pounds over weight in 2013, to completely sitting without a roster spot in 2016.
Despite the small issues, Leribeus is a true talent, and can play at a high level. When he is healthy and at the top of his game, he has the potential to be a solid starter in the NFL.
Needless to say, if he does play at a high level, the “low-risk, high-reward” route the Eagles took with him could really serve as a steal. This weekend we sat down with Josh and asked him about the player outside of football, his time in Washington, and what was behind his decision to come to Philadelphia.
“I am really, just a normal guy, I mean…whatever that is. I like to be relaxed, don’t really get caught up with all the hype. I guess I am not like a lot of NFL players, in some ways. I am still just a kid from Texas, a kid who likes too hang out with my friends and family.
I am the type of guy, who will spend his time playing with his Dog, or you know, looking at my Fish. I have this little, well not little but..I have this 6 foot fish tank for my fish.
When I am not playing football, or outside of it all, I like to fish (He says laughing and then quickly apologizing to his fish) …I hope my fish didn’t hear me (roar of laughter).”
Fresh off a trip in where he had just asked his girlfriend, and now Fiancé Melissa, to marry him, Josh continues on, telling a little about his newly engaged better half, and his decision to play in Philly’, and where he feels is his best position.
“My fiancé, wait .. I have to get used to saying that, she is a teacher for high school students, so now you know how she can deal with the likes of me! She hasn’t had a chance to come out to Philadelphia and really look around, but we plan on doing it here soon.
As far as my decision to play here in Philadelphia, well..we had a great work out, and you know..I had a couple of good workouts in 2016, I’m not really sure why I didn’t end up on a roster. Really I am not thinking about it, I don’t care… the Eagles, they jumped on it really quick, they made me feel wanted.
They made it clear they wanted me here, I felt like it was the right spot for me, and it wasn’t too far away from where I already was (Virginia). I like what they are doing here and having a young star at quarterback (Carson Wentz), really helped. Anytime you can go to a team and have the most important position already taken care of, it’s a plus.”
He continued on.
“I really like the kid, I don’t think he is going to be a good one, I think he is a really good one already, he is a playmaker. The Eagles are going the right way and I wanted to be a part of it. So I am glad I am here, it was the best for me.”
With an offensive line, that rolls out a loaded list of players. Leribeus, just adds another solid option, at both Center and Guard. We asked him, where he felt he fit best.
“I can play both, its already on tape, and I don’t pay attention to who the Eagles sign, I just want to play football, and give it my best. So other than the (Chance) Warmack pick up, I don’t pay attention. I only knew he got picked up because I use number 67 and he has it now, but you know new team….new start….
As far as what spot I want to play, I mean, I love playing center, But I will play wherever they want, or they need me, really…there is no ego here, I really do want to do what’s best for the team.”
Josh, has the right mind frame, coming into the 2017 season. Coming to Philadelphia, with a future wife, a brand new number, and a strong mindset, look for Josh, to really be a force in the Eagles, O-Line competition moving forward. Training camp and OTA’s will be the perfect opportunity for Leribeus to prove himself..and he has every chance of doing so.
Although the addition of Leribeus went under the radar, you can be sure he intends on being a true contributor and could be a steal for the Birds’ this year.
Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
