TCU Athletics
Jalen Reagor
Jalen Reagor
Jalen Reagor admits it’s a weird time to be drafted to the NFL.
Two weeks ago, when the former TCU wide receiver heard his name called by the Philadelphia Eagles as the No. 21 overall pick in the NFL Draft, Reagor says the moment felt as surreal as it would be for any athlete — even from the couch at his great-grandmother’s house in Waxahachie.
With COVID-19 keeping the NFL in limbo (though the league is expected to release the 2020 schedule Thursday night), Reagor is staying put at home, training at Waxahachie High School until it’s time to head to Philadelphia.
Still, he can’t wait to get back on the field, catch a ball from Carson Wentz, and even try a Philly cheesesteak.
FW Mag: Take us back to draft day. What was it like getting that phone call from the Philadelphia Eagles?
JR: I was at my great-grandmother’s house in Waxahachie. Just hearing my name was a sigh of relief. It’s just something you work so hard for. You start back over at square one, being a rookie, but you live your whole childhood, go to college, you dream of these things, and then to hear my name called, it was a huge relief. I’ve achieved one of my lifetime goals. It was surreal.
FW Mag: Were you expecting to go in the first round?
JR: Absolutely. I bet on myself, and I’m strong in my faith, so I knew I would be gone.
FW Mag: How do you feel you fit in with Philly’s offense?
JR: I feel really good. It’s going to be really fun. We have a lot of speed, a lot of playmakers. With the two tight ends we have, then with Miles [Sanders], it’s going to open it up for any receiver that’s on the field, so it’s going to be fun.
FW Mag: Do you feel like you could start this coming season?
JR: Absolutely. Being a first-round pick, a receiver was needed; it was emphasized in this draft. I’m looking to come in and make a big impact immediately. You’ve got to crawl before you walk, so I’m taking it day by day and being as professional as I can.
FW Mag: Would you call yourself a Carson Wentz fan?
JR: Yeah, his name speaks for itself. I used to say, “Dang, Carson Wentz, bro…” Now he’s my teammate. It’s weird, but it’s new. I’m just taking it all in.
FW Mag: What do you think of the city of Philadelphia? Have you been there before?
JR: No, it will be foreign. When I’m able to [move there], yeah, but right now I’m just back home taking care of business and doing what I can.
FW Mag: How are you holding up amidst the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19? What has your team told you as far as practice and the upcoming season?
JR: Just be prepared, don’t overdo yourself at this time, stay healthy. You’ve just got to wade it out because, honestly, no one knows when [the pandemic] is going to be done. The main thing is just staying healthy so you don’t come into minicamp banged up or tired out. Basically, just take care of your body. Everything’s in the air. Being a rookie, we don’t get the first information.
FW Mag: As of today, what are your next steps?
JR: Like I said, just trying to maintain and wade it out. That’s really all you can do. Having a lot of meetings with the coaches via Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Just doing everything virtually, improvising. This is the first time it’s ever happened in history, so it’s something we can be proud of even though it’s a weird time.
FW Mag: How would you say your experience at TCU has prepared you for the NFL?
JR: Different obstacles and things thrown your way. It prepares you for whatever could happen. Being at TCU, we had a lot of changes, a lot of ups and downs, and I feel like it prepared me a lot for what can go on in the course of a long season in the NFL.
FW Mag: So, are you excited to try a Philly cheesesteak?
JR: I really don’t eat cheesesteak like that, but I’m going to try one for sure.
