Worley: I don’t know what gave me more joy, coming back home or first initially getting drafted
19 March 2018 Eagles News
In his Eagles introductory press conference, Daryl Worley said his family and friends were ‘estatic’ he’d be an Eagle after learning of his trade from the Panthers to the birds earlier this month.
The Philly native said he grew up a “huge Eagles fan” and his favorite Eagle ever was Terrell Owens. It makes sense for Worley to have been most inspired by the hall of fame wide receiver as he initially went to West Virginia University as a WR himself. The first person he told about the trade to Philadelphia was his father and “he was very emotional” about the news.
After facing steep competition in an impressive WR room, a WVU coach convinced Worley to make the transition to cornerback.
Worley said he does not have the ability to speak to any of the Eagles coaches at this point but he is excited to play for his hometown team next season. “I don’t know what gave me more joy, coming back home or first initially getting drafted,” he stated.
With quite a few West Virginia players in the Eagles building already, Worley expects it to be an easier transition. In fact, the players on the Eagles roster are guys he knows well since he played defensive back with Douglas, is very close friends with Smallwood and was freshman roommates with Gibson at the university.
Although it is currently unclear what position/ role Worley will play in Jim Schwartz’ defense, he is excited to get started. During his time in Carolina, Worley mainly played outside. “Off man, right now, is my strong suit but I’m always working to better other parts of my game,” Worley said Monday.
When asked about competition at the defensive back position Worley said he is looking forward to it and was willing to play safety if that is what is asked of him.
The Eagles traded WR Torrey Smith to the Panthers in exchange for Worley, who is still on his rookie deal. He started 25 games for the Panthers at the cornerback position and should give the Eagles added depth in the secondary for the 2018 season.
Kelly Carpenter Daryl Worley, Eagles, football, NFL, Panthers, sports, Trade