Without the freakish size of most defensive ends, the Cardinals transitioned Reddick to an off-ball linebacker role. He had trouble finding his footing and didn’t put up the numbers expected out of a first-round pick. He started just five games in his third season and Arizona declined his fifth-year option in 2020.
With his career at stake, Reddick moved to the edge in his fourth season, a role in which he’d succeeded in college. That success translated.
He recorded team highs with 12.5 sacks and six forced fumbles. He even set a franchise record when he amassed five sacks and three forced fumbles in one game against the New York Giants in North Jersey.
Reddick signed with the Panthers in 2021 as a free agent, reuniting with Rhule and several of his Temple coaches and teammates. He proved that 2020 wasn’t a fluke by recording 11 sacks and 18 quarterback hits. He brought down Jalen Hurts twice in the Eagles’ 21-18 win in Carolina.
His NFL journey, like his experience at Temple, was a battle to prove himself. He was rewarded with a lucrative three-year contract to come home.
“It’s a special thing because I never thought this would happen,” Reddick said. “But now that I’m here, it’s just surreal.
“I’ve been blessed to be where I’m at right now. It took a lot of hard work to get here, but now that I’m here, it’s about sharing my blessings with other people.”
His mother took out a loan to afford a meal plan for Reddick while he went to Temple without a scholarship. When he felt guilty and wanted to give up, his mother pushed him to keep chasing his dream.
After going pro, he bought Raelakia a Mercedes-Benz in 2018 for Mother’s Day. Shortly after signing with the Eagles, he bought her a new home.
“I’m just happy I can be around her, take care of her, and be closer to her so she can experience this,” Reddick said. “She played such a big role in getting me to where I am today. So, for her to be able to reap the benefits of the work she put in, it’s beautiful.”
