Reed Blankenship on Signing with the Texans, Leaving the Eagles & More | Exciting Mics Ep. 26

Summary

Exciting Mics Ep. 26 Summary
Reed Blankenship on Signing with the Texans, Leaving the Eagles & More
Release Date: March 12, 2026
Hosts: Reed Blankenship & Cooper DeJean

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Episode Overview

This episode marks a major turning point for the Exciting Mics duo, as Reed Blankenship joins to share—and process—his signing with the Houston Texans after four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. With signature chemistry and humor, Reed and Cooper reflect on the emotional weight of leaving Philly, recount Reed’s journey from undrafted rookie to Super Bowl champion, and dig into what lies ahead for both the podcast and their careers. The episode is loose, honest, and full of the unfiltered locker room talk fans have come to love.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction & Early Banter

• Free Agency Craziness:
  • The episode begins with both hosts catching up—Cooper is in Arizona training and golfing, Reed is dealing with "life changing" news.
  • Reed hints at his big move, saying, “Your boy is flying the nest. This is life changing for me, dude.” (00:30)
• Reed’s Announcement:
  • Officially, Reed has signed a 3-year, ~$24 million deal with the Houston Texans. (03:47)
    • “I just try to be like you, Coop, man. I’m just trying to be like you.” (04:07 Reed)
    • The hosts discuss how surreal and “grown up” the move feels.

Inside Reed’s Free Agency Experience

• The Waiting Game:
  • Reed describes free agency as a nerve-wracking, high-stakes time. He had to keep his phone close for immediate decisions; Kyle (his agent) warned he might have just minutes to respond to offers. (04:30)
  • “I was a little nervous… I got up and I’m like, dang, I really don’t want to leave the house.” (04:30 Reed)
  • He relates it to waiting for a call on draft day—“probably what it felt like getting drafted." (02:47 Reed)
• Interest from Teams:
  • Reed explains how Houston’s genuine interest stood out. While he kept hope for a Philly return, “Houston wanted me. Houston loved me. And I’m like, why not?” (07:05 Reed)

Career Flashbacks: From Undrafted to NFL Starter

• Humble Beginnings:
  • Reed reminisces on joining the Eagles as an undrafted free agent out of Middle Tennessee State, with a $5,000 signing bonus and no clue what he was in for. (07:49-08:03)
• Accolades & Growth:
  • Made the team, started mid-season his rookie year, and played in two Super Bowls.
  • “Philly was a second home to me, for real. That’s all I ever really known.” (08:18 Reed)

Looking Forward: New Beginnings in Houston

• Excitement About the Texans:
  • Reed is hyped for the South's climate and joining Houston’s top-tier defense, especially given the familiarity with former Eagles like Derek Barnett.
  • “They got a bunch of dogs on there…they’re wanting me to come contribute.” (09:23 Reed)

Reflections on Leaving Philadelphia

• Toughest Goodbyes:
  • Reed emphasizes how hardest part is “all the relationships”—with teammates, coaches, staff, and fans.
  • “You end up creating these bonds that you didn’t know you would be able to create at that level.” (10:50 Reed)
• Favorite Local Haunts:
  • Reed shouts out Wegmans, Publix, South Jersey cheesesteaks (“Gooseberger or something”), and Rita’s Italian Ice as places he’ll seriously miss. (14:46-16:59 Reed)

Locker Room Chemistry & NFL Business

• Joking & Memories:
  • The duo jokes about sitting arrangements, playfully spar over who’ll step into the Eagles’ leadership void, and roast each other about golf habits, DoorDash interruptions, and random Lego-building.
  • “You were in the back…Come on now, to your left. I was like three seats over.” (13:17 Cooper)
• Turnover Reality:
  • Both reflect on the harsh business side—connections are deep, but NFL rosters change fast.
    • “The more you play in the game…the more you’re going to see guys in and out.” (20:13 Reed)

Sentimental Highlights & Fond Farewells

• Favorite Memories Together:
  • Daily routines, Super Bowl runs, locker room banter, and post-victory parties all get nostalgic treatment.
    • “Everything about Super Bowl. The parade, after partying, dreams and nightmares, bro.” (23:37 Cooper)
• Iconic Eagles Fans:
  • Reed gives a heartfelt message to Philadelphia fans:
    • “Thank you for accepting me for who I was… Whether they loved you, whether they didn’t like you, they let you know. But at the end of the day, that's just what makes Philly different. And I always cherish that.” (29:47 Reed)

Future of Exciting Mics Podcast

• Show Continues – New Era:
  • The podcast will keep rolling despite Reed’s relocation. Expect expanded perspectives with Texans/Eagles crossover content.
  • They debate, with input from fans, about changing the show’s logo colors to reflect the new team affiliations. (34:02-35:04)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Being Undrafted in Philly:

  • “I was just a little undrafted guy, didn’t really know what to do with my life. I just wanted to play football, wanted to love the game as much as the fans did.” (00:30, 29:47 Reed)

• On Free Agency Stress:

  • “I watched the Pat McAfee Show. I’ve never been so involved with watching stuff like that.” (04:30 Reed)

• On Leadership:

  • “Bro, you need to be a captain this year, bro...It’s hard, hardest job of my life.” (13:32 Reed, 13:58 Reed)

• On Philly’s Unique Bond:

  • “Most importantly, they kept you humble...Whether they loved you, whether they didn’t like you, they let you know.” (29:47 Reed)

• Podcast Chemistry:

  • [Reed, about Cooper’s package delivery mid-podcast]: “Here’s the thing, guys. I’m getting deep, and I look at Cooper, and he’s over here looking this way.” (11:47 Reed)

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Key Timestamps

• 00:30 – Reed’s heartfelt thanks to Eagles fans, emotional context for his move
• 03:47 – Reed’s Texans signing becomes official
• 07:49 – Humble beginnings: $5,000 bonus as an undrafted free agent
• 09:23 – Reed's excitement about Houston’s defense and moving South
• 10:50 – On hardest parts of leaving Philly: relationships and staff
• 14:46-16:59 – Local favorites: Wegmans, Publix, cheesesteaks
• 23:37 – Best memories: Super Bowl, parade, locker room moments
• 29:47 – Reed’s final message to Philadelphia fans
• 34:02 – Discussion about the podcast’s future and rebranding

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Tone & Takeaways

The episode blends jubilation with bittersweet nostalgia. Both hosts keep the mood light with teasing and candid stories, but let the emotion of NFL transitions show through. Reed’s gratitude for everyone in Philadelphia and excitement for the next chapter in Houston are equally clear, and the brotherhood between Cooper and Reed is as real as ever—even as their careers diverge.

Fans are reassured the Exciting Mics podcast will continue, adapting to feature both Eagles and Texans content, showcasing the authentic bond—and banter—that’s made it a hit.

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Transcript

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[Reed Blankenship]

Your boy is flying the nest. This is life changing for me, dude. Thank you for, like, accepting me for who I was. I was just a little undrafted guy, didn't really know what to do with my life. I just wanted to play football, wanted to love the game as much as the fans did. I was so blessed to land in a spot where fans just were die hard. They loved every ounce of it. If they could, they would strap it on and go play on Sundays. They would go play with you. But most importantly, they kept you humble. And I always cherish that. I always cherish all the moments that I've had when I'm walking down the street and somebody just sees me and just lights up and you're like, wow, you know, it's crazy to think that I could do that to someone. I'm just. I'm just another guy, you know, just another guy that loves to play football. And God's blessed me to play on Sundays, you know, so just want to say thank you.

[Cooper DeJean]

Welcome back to the exciting mics. I'm Cooper DeJean.

[Reed Blankenship]

And I'm Reed Blankenship. And we're in the middle of the craziness of free agency. Just checking in with y' all after some big news.

[Cooper DeJean]

Remember to follow exciting mics on all platforms like comment, share, and subscribe on YouTube or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Let's get it started. We're start this podcast with how we do every single week or every single time we film with what's exciting you this week. I'll go first. I mean, I don't really have a whole lot of exciting news.

[Reed Blankenship]

You're an az. You're an az. So tell us about the weather. Tell us what I'm just doing.

[Cooper DeJean]

Yeah, I'm just enjoying the. The sunny weather, calmness of Arizona out here. Swimming in the pool, training, playing golf. Actually just got off the golf course.

[Reed Blankenship]

Like, yeah, by the way, we've been waiting on this dude for like, over an hour just to get back on this thing.

[Cooper DeJean]

So I'm getting the golf game dialed in. But yeah, that's. That's just about it. That's All I've been. Been really doing, been traveling a little bit, you know, and enjoying the time off while I can, but mostly just trading and playing some golf. You read? What do you got going on this week, huh?

[Reed Blankenship]

Hey, your boy, Your boy is flying the nest, I would say, unfortunately, but fortunately, yeah, I mean, this is lifechanging for me, dude. This is all grown up. All grown up, man. Obviously we can get into the nitty gritty here, here shortly, but. But yeah, dude, it was huge, man. I ain't never been in a situation like that, obviously. And honestly, I guess that's probably what it felt like getting drafted, I would

[Cooper DeJean]

assume just like, probably is probably close

[Reed Blankenship]

and, you know, it's a very cool experience. Thank gosh that Kyle, my agent, was, was doing his job, doing his duty and, you know, fighting for me, man. Oh, yeah, you know, you know, you know how he does it, so. No, it's cool, man. It's so cool. I'm so excited.

[Cooper DeJean]

In case you guys missed it, our boy, Mr. Reed Blankenship signed a three year deal with the Houston Texans on Monday, March 9th. Three years 24 and some change. Some new money for the kid.

[Reed Blankenship]

Hey, I just try to be like you, Coop, man. I'm just trying to be like you.

[Cooper DeJean]

It's. No, but that's, that's sweet. Obviously we're, we're all excited for him, sad to see him leave, but obviously, you know, it's part, it's part of the business. But what, what's, what's the process been like throughout the whole free agency? Like, how, how involved were you? Were you involved at all? Like, what?

[Reed Blankenship]

So it was kind of like a game. Well, obviously my most important job was just be around my phone. Regardless, we kind of came up with a game plan the week before and, and that's what Kyle was saying. Like, you need to be around your phone. Like, you can do normal stuff, just have your phone with you. And I'm like, dude, like, I don't want to go somewhere and then I miss a call because he said things can happen really quick. Like you don't want to have somebody that offers you, then you don't answer and like the offers off the table because you don't only have like five minutes to respond. So I was a little nervous. I mean, like I said, like, I got up and I'm like, dang, I really don't want to, like, leave the house. Like, let's just throw it. Like, I've never been like, so involved. I watched the Pat McAfee Show I was like, I've never been like, so like involved with watching stuff like that.

[Cooper DeJean]

I was the same way.

[Reed Blankenship]

It was insane. I've never like, cared that much. And then like the first one, like the first big news really happened that I saw was JP like, jalen, yeah, go to Carolina. And I'm like, dude, that's insane.

[Cooper DeJean]

That was early, right? That was early in the day, right?

[Reed Blankenship]

Because it started. Yeah, I think every, like you could start. I think everything started like 12 Eastern.

[Cooper DeJean]

Oh, yeah. Guess it was early for, for me, I think, because he was one of the first guys I feel like off the board. No.

[Reed Blankenship]

Yeah, I mean, I think so too. Like, he went quick and you know, you're sitting there like you're happy for him. You're happy to see guys that, that, you know, or, you know, get all these deals and stuff. Now you're just sitting there. They're sitting there waiting because the whole shefty tweet thing, you know, plays a snow cold music and you're like, what's next? But, you know, just get antsy, you know, Kyle was doing a great job of keeping me updated of what teams were interested, who, you know, this, that, the other. And it was all great. I mean, it was all good news. And it felt like I was wanted, you know, Like, I feel like I've never really had that with my whole career. And when like Houston started calling, it really felt like they wanted to take a shot on me, take a chance on me. And, you know, it was great. You know, I loved it. You know, and obviously you still have that feeling of there's still a chance I could probably possibly come back to Philly. Like you. You didn't know. I didn't know.

[Cooper DeJean]

Yeah.

[Reed Blankenship]

And. And that's just how the business rolled. That's how. That's how it goes and how it goes. Like I said, Houston, Houston wanted me. Houston loved me. And I'm like, why? Like, why not?

[Cooper DeJean]

So, yeah, that's sweet.

[Reed Blankenship]

So I'm excited for sure.

[Cooper DeJean]

It kind of. Yeah, it kind of sounds like what the draft was like a little bit, you know, for me, obviously the drafts just, you know, one or I guess it's a couple days. But you're always around your phone. You don't want to, you know, being. You want to miss the call, you know, things like that. But no, it's. It's sweet. Going from undrafted out of Middle Tennessee State, what was your signing bonus?

[Reed Blankenship]

Can we.

[Cooper DeJean]

Can we.

[Reed Blankenship]

Out of MT, out of MT to the Philadelphia. I think it was like 5,000 $5,000

[Cooper DeJean]

signing bonus, a living on a.

[Reed Blankenship]

Had no, dude, had no idea what I was getting myself into.

[Cooper DeJean]

Ended up made a. Made the team. Is your first year when they took you for $5,000?

[Reed Blankenship]

Yeah.

[Cooper DeJean]

And then you start. You started a couple games your rookie year, right?

[Reed Blankenship]

Yeah, dude. The thing is, I. I didn't dress, I don't think, until week six or week six, So. Dude, it was wild, bro. Yeah, it's crazy, this whole journey, you know, I mean, first year I went to the super bowl, obviously we didn't win, and then, you know, had a down year, then come back. That's when you came in and go to the Super Bowl. I mean, Philly was, you know, a second home to me, for real. That's all I ever really known. So. Yeah, um. Yeah, it's tough, but it is tough.

[Cooper DeJean]

What, what are you. What are you most excited about? You know, about being a. Being a Houston Texan now. We're going to be on separate teams now, so I know a little bit of a different dynamic than what the people have seen, but I know, I

[Reed Blankenship]

think it's going to be really cool, though. I think it is really cool. You're going to bring in a whole different fan base, hopefully, you know.

[Cooper DeJean]

Hopefully. Yeah. What excites you most about being, you know, a Texan? Your new home, dude.

[Reed Blankenship]

I mean, it's in the South. I. I mean, I'm a Southern dude, dude. The weather is nice down there, bro. The weather is nice. But team wise, bro, they got a great defense, too. They got a bunch of dogs on there. So kind of just talking to or just watching them and seeing them, you know, especially throughout my career there at Philly, is just like, man, this team wants me. You know, they got. They already got a really good defense, and now they're wanting me to come to contribute. So that's what really. I just want to see, like, what the fan base is down there and like, how. I don't know, it's just. It's a lot of unknowns, but I'm just. Yeah, I'm just really, like. I'm really excited for everything.

[Cooper DeJean]

They were like a top three defense last year, I think. Top three or top five. One of the two.

[Reed Blankenship]

Yeah, I think so.

[Cooper DeJean]

Pretty sure so. I think they got. They got a lot of young guys who are. Who are talented and especially in the back end. Their. Their D line up front is. Is crazy too.

[Reed Blankenship]

So, I mean, I think I'm pretty sure they got a D line that came from Philly. Derek Barnett's still there.

[Cooper DeJean]

Yeah.

[Reed Blankenship]

So he's a friend of the organization, as you would say. Yeah, friend of the program.

[Cooper DeJean]

There we go. What? Going back to Philly. What do you think's the hardest part about leaving Philadelphia and the place you. You started your career and you kind of. I mean, you left your mark, I think in. In film, I hope.

[Reed Blankenship]

I hope I did. But I guess the hardest part would be all the relationships there. Like, you come in, you work so hard at something. Now you see guys come and go, you see coaches come and go, but majority of the organization, the majority of the staff was still there, know, nutrition training staff. Like, you. Like, you end up creating these bonds that you didn't know you would be able to create at that level. And, you know, I'm so fortunate, so blessed to have all these relationships, and I know they'll continue even if I go somewhere else. You know, it doesn't matter. Like, we'll still cherish those moments. And. And you. I mean, you go to the biggest stage in the world, like, you're going to have all these relationships.

[Cooper DeJean]

Hold on.

[Reed Blankenship]

No way this guy ordered door dash. No way this dude's doing this right now. I have never in my life got a package, bro. Take your time, bro. Just take your time. I know. Look, here. Here's the thing, guys. I'm getting deep, and I look at Cooper, and he's over here looking this way.

[Cooper DeJean]

What, bro? Because I saw. Because I. I saw the FedEx truck pull up, and then I see the reflection in the mirror, and I knew I've missed him earlier because I had to sign for a package that he dropped off. And so I knew it was. It was.

[Reed Blankenship]

Right. Let's do it. When we're doing the podcast and when I'm talking about relationships. Sorry.

[Cooper DeJean]

Yeah. Where were we at, anyway? Were you done with giving your.

[Reed Blankenship]

See, that's. That. That makes it even easier to leave him. Okay,

[Cooper DeJean]

who the ops now, bro?

[Reed Blankenship]

Yeah.

[Cooper DeJean]

Who are you gonna miss the most in the building in. In Phil?

[Reed Blankenship]

Not you.

[Cooper DeJean]

Yes, you are, bro. I know you are.

[Reed Blankenship]

All right, bro, here's the thing, all right? I. I will. I'll admit there's a lot of people that I'd miss in that building for sure.

[Cooper DeJean]

Don't hurt any feelings, bro.

[Reed Blankenship]

I'm not hurting any feelings. I'm saying, who are you going to sit by now since you sat by me? You're. You're two years there.

[Cooper DeJean]

That's a good question.

[Reed Blankenship]

Are you. Are you gonna. Are you gonna be up? Oh, that's right. You were in the back.

[Cooper DeJean]

Come on now to your left. I was like three seats over to your left.

[Reed Blankenship]

You.

[Cooper DeJean]

Yeah, true though, I guess in the team once I was right behind you, but.

[Reed Blankenship]

Sorry, man.

[Cooper DeJean]

Yeah, I'm probably just gonna sit behind. Sit up front. Whoever wants to sit by me then.

[Reed Blankenship]

Bro, you need to be a captain this year, bro.

[Cooper DeJean]

I already know Q's gonna sit in the back and.

[Reed Blankenship]

Yeah, Q. Q's gonna do his own thing. Dude, you need to go ahead and take that C, bro. It's time, bro.

[Cooper DeJean]

I'm trying to take over and from your footsteps, walk in your foot.

[Reed Blankenship]

It's easy, bro. It's just. Just keep everybody straight.

[Cooper DeJean]

Oh, it's easy, bro. You think it's easy? No.

[Reed Blankenship]

Hardest job of my life.

[Cooper DeJean]

You think they're gonna. Hey, you think they're gonna have a box drill down there in. In Houston?

[Reed Blankenship]

I. Dude, I don't think so. I actually was thinking about that when I was training the other day. I'm like, I might need to do some box drills before I go down there because there is nothing better that gets you in shave than box drills. That might. I might have to throw that in. In the pile when I get there, but. Hey, man, I've been doing some box

[Cooper DeJean]

drills out here in this. This heat. It's been really good. A little bit, yeah.

[Reed Blankenship]

Good for you.

[Cooper DeJean]

Yeah, I love that. It gets me going. Gets me fired up.

[Reed Blankenship]

Been wearing the shirt.

[Cooper DeJean]

What are. What are places in Philadelphia or I guess you're. You're in South Jersey too. But what are. What are some places that you're going to miss that you want to give

[Reed Blankenship]

a shout out, dude, honestly, Shout out. Wegmans, bro. Wegmans. And I'm a big public's believer. Huge Publix believer.

[Cooper DeJean]

You like that? We went to. When we went to Tampa, that's all you could talk about is the public or whatever the.

[Reed Blankenship]

So pub subs. Look, they're great. Now, Wegmans. Wegmans. You've been. Have you been to Wegmans?

[Cooper DeJean]

Have I been. I've never been to Wagman's now.

[Reed Blankenship]

So, like, I had no idea what this was. Elsa was like, dude, Wegmans is right down the road from us. It's this huge. It's like a really good grocery store or whatever. I'm just like, whatever. No, it's just another grocery store, bro. I walk in there, they have like a toy train growing around the produce section, like on the top, and it's just like, everything's fresh you can get. I'm like, oh, my gosh. So she's pro. She was right on that. I'm gonna miss Wegmans. Definitely gonna miss the cheesesteak spots for sure. Really can't.

[Cooper DeJean]

What's your favorite, bro?

[Reed Blankenship]

Get those. Where's my favorite place? Cheese steak place. Not even.

[Cooper DeJean]

Yeah, you can't even get a. You can't get a cheesesteak other than Philadelphia now, since you lived there for three years. Like, it's not going to be the same, dude.

[Reed Blankenship]

I don't know. There's so many. There's Angelos, there's.

[Cooper DeJean]

Okay, but what's your favorite, bro?

[Reed Blankenship]

I'm trying. I don't know. There's this place in South Jersey. I think it was called Gooseberger or something. They had, like, the. The bread was like, everything. Bagel flavoring on it.

[Cooper DeJean]

See, I'm not a fan of that, really. I just like the season one, you know?

[Reed Blankenship]

Well, I like the seated roll, too, but, like, that was, like, another flavor that I've never had. So I. I went there when I was in Jersey. But what else would I miss? The Ritas. Shout out Ritas during summer or training camp. Stay 48.

[Cooper DeJean]

You're not gonna miss that income tax, though.

[Reed Blankenship]

I am not. Ain't getting none of that. I love that.

[Cooper DeJean]

Get money. Speaking of toy trains, actually. Wait, why'd you bring up toy trains again?

[Reed Blankenship]

Because it was in Wegmans.

[Cooper DeJean]

Look at this. I'm gonna show it's not a toy train. But I've been so bored down here. Not bored, but I started building Legos, bro.

[Reed Blankenship]

Really?

[Cooper DeJean]

You want to see this? My first one that I built.

[Reed Blankenship]

Yeah, bro. I went through a stage of Legos, but my. I've built Star Wars Legos,

[Cooper DeJean]

By the way. This is how much I love the game of golf also. Lego golf cart with. My God.

[Reed Blankenship]

I thought it was gonna be a little bit bigger. Wait, is that like a. Is it personalized to you? Like.

[Cooper DeJean]

No.

[Reed Blankenship]

Okay.

[Cooper DeJean]

I just bought it off Amazon.

[Reed Blankenship]

I think that's actually pretty sick. You need to go to the LEGO store if you haven't.

[Cooper DeJean]

This is actually. My computer's actually sitting on another LEGO set that I'm gonna do, too.

[Reed Blankenship]

What is it?

[Cooper DeJean]

It's a. It's a country club, so I'm gonna get the golf cart.

[Reed Blankenship]

This dude loves golf, which I do, too. I love golf, too, obviously. We've been together for, what, two years? What's it been like to either play with me or, like to watch how I do things? Like, through this process, through the free agency process. Yeah, just like, the business side of, like, I try. I Think I tried to get you to understand certain business things, but sometimes you'd be like, I got people to do that for me.

[Cooper DeJean]

I did not say that, bro.

[Reed Blankenship]

Hey, we're enemies now, bro. I'm joking. I'm joking.

[Cooper DeJean]

What has it been like? Well, really to watch Reed and like everybody else throughout the whole free agency process, like, it's been crazy to see because this was like the first year that I really paid attention to. It was like actually locked into free agency because obviously because of you and the other guys that we had, obviously JD Got a new deal, shout out. And then Kobe, obviously signing with the Raiders. JP Jahan, some other guys too. But no, it's. It's been crazy to see just the turnover, especially this year, bro. I feel like we lost more guys. I guess we lost a lot of guys last year, but I'd say more guys that I was closer with. And obviously it's different because I played two years with most of the guys that have left now besides jp, so it's obviously I'm closer with all the guys, so it's. It's definitely different, you know, and, you know, me and Reed and our bond that we have and being as close as we are, you know, it sucks, but that's part of the business. Gotta go get that cheddar cheese.

[Reed Blankenship]

You know, look, the. The more you play in the game, obviously, the more you're going to see guys in and out.

[Cooper DeJean]

Yeah.

[Reed Blankenship]

I mean, if you could keep all the guys on the roster at the same time, you'd be dominant. I mean.

[Cooper DeJean]

Yeah. And it's also perks of playing on a good team, you know.

[Reed Blankenship]

Yeah.

[Cooper DeJean]

Guys gonna have opportunities to go, you know, make their money elsewhere and, you know, it's. It's life changing. Life changing. Money, obviously, for. For a lot of people.

[Reed Blankenship]

So, like, really, really life changing for. Depending on how you do it.

[Cooper DeJean]

Yeah.

[Reed Blankenship]

You. I mean, you. Your kid doesn't have to. To worry, man.

[Cooper DeJean]

Especially for a guy who signed for $5,000 out of college.

[Reed Blankenship]

True. You know, I can make it go a long way.

[Cooper DeJean]

I just think it's cool to see like, your story and, you know, going from undrafted and, you know, the leader you became, even from my first year to the second year, the jump that you made as a leader and then, you know, now just seeing you get what you deserve obviously is pretty. Pretty cool. So hopefully you.

[Reed Blankenship]

You're next, bro.

[Cooper DeJean]

Hopefully you give me a nice gift or something maybe with your new money.

[Reed Blankenship]

I'm still. Hey, guys. I'm still waiting on a wedding gift. Probably a baby gift. Just go ahead and give me a baby gift, bro.

[Cooper DeJean]

You haven't had your baby yet, bro. I'll make it. I'll make it come.

[Reed Blankenship]

That's what baby showers are for. Like, you do it before she comes, bro.

[Cooper DeJean]

I was gonna do it when you had the baby, but.

[Reed Blankenship]

Oh, sure. I think that's what you said when I got married, too. Yeah, I am on.

[Cooper DeJean]

I'm gonna put them together. I'll put them together. I'll make it nice.

[Reed Blankenship]

Yeah, give me something nice.

[Cooper DeJean]

It'll be maybe signing, signing gift, wedding gift, and a baby gift all in one.

[Reed Blankenship]

Just.

[Cooper DeJean]

Yeah.

[Reed Blankenship]

Wow.

[Cooper DeJean]

It'd be nice. What do you want? What do you. What. What's on your list here?

[Reed Blankenship]

I don't know.

[Cooper DeJean]

You want some diapers?

[Reed Blankenship]

We're gonna need all the diapers we need. We're in the. We're in the book mode right now, so we want people to give us books. Books. Yeah.

[Cooper DeJean]

I can't remember the last time I read a book.

[Reed Blankenship]

See, wasn't that your. I was more. You haven't touched a book.

[Cooper DeJean]

I've been reading my Bible more, though, so that good for you?

[Reed Blankenship]

Hey, good for you. Yeah, that. That counts ten times as much.

[Cooper DeJean]

Thank you. Appreciate that.

[Reed Blankenship]

Yes, absolutely. Absolutely.

[Cooper DeJean]

What do you think about our time as Eagles together? Think back. What are some of your favorite memories?

[Reed Blankenship]

I mean, the first one that stands up or is kind of prominent is the times where I came.

[Cooper DeJean]

Okay.

[Reed Blankenship]

Oh, the. When you first got there and you didn't talk to anybody.

[Cooper DeJean]

Oh.

[Reed Blankenship]

So I was just trying to get you there.

[Cooper DeJean]

Going a different way.

[Reed Blankenship]

Yeah, I am going a different way. I'm more sentimental than you are right now. Yeah, that's okay.

[Cooper DeJean]

Yeah.

[Reed Blankenship]

Doing that locker room stuff, then coming out every day in training camp.

[Cooper DeJean]

Oh, yeah. Last year. That was sick.

[Reed Blankenship]

That was sick. Everything you forget, the small details, man. It's like that. We did show up together all the time pre game. Did our pregame stuff together. We did a lot of things, but Super Bowl. Everything about super bowl.

[Cooper DeJean]

The parade, after partying, dreams and nightmares, bro.

[Reed Blankenship]

That was crazy. That look. That would have been epic if it wasn't.

[Cooper DeJean]

They up the music, though, also. The after. The after party of the super bowl parade was crazy, too.

[Reed Blankenship]

The. That was insane.

[Cooper DeJean]

I think I threw a cake on some girls someone's face because we were like.

[Reed Blankenship]

They're like, did. They brought it out and said, throw

[Cooper DeJean]

it at the bar. This club, whatever you want to call it. And my birthday, obviously, just happened so that we're. They gave me a cake and they told me to throw it at this person's face.

[Reed Blankenship]

Hey, Kenny Pickett was there. Dallas Grant was there. Grant. Dude, everybody was pulling up.

[Cooper DeJean]

I was. I was spraying champagne because we were up in, like, a loft type.

[Reed Blankenship]

They brought us, like, champagne bottles of stuff, though. Yeah, it did not matter, but. No, it was cool, bro.

[Cooper DeJean]

I think. I think our conversations, walking in the stadium sometimes, you know, making. Yeah, sure.

[Reed Blankenship]

You know, that time you wore your

[Cooper DeJean]

outfits, and that's true.

[Reed Blankenship]

Tommy wore your headphones. Hold on. You wore your headphones? What are you playing any music?

[Cooper DeJean]

The whole game, like, bro.

[Reed Blankenship]

What? He's like, oh, it's part of my fit.

[Cooper DeJean]

I'm like, what part of the fit, bro?

[Reed Blankenship]

You never do this.

[Cooper DeJean]

Or during preseason when I was wearing the Nike Tech and it still had the tag on it.

[Reed Blankenship]

You tag, boy. Oh, that was funny, bro. Oh,

[Cooper DeJean]

man.

[Reed Blankenship]

See, look, you. You start to think a little bit more about the smaller things in life. That's what you need, bro.

[Cooper DeJean]

Yeah, hopefully. Hopefully you keep up your. Your pregame fit.

[Reed Blankenship]

I don't know.

[Cooper DeJean]

Clothing.

[Reed Blankenship]

I might have to go back to the OG and start wearing graphic sweatshirts of people.

[Cooper DeJean]

No, but why not putting it on, bro. Look good, feel good, feel good.

[Reed Blankenship]

Play good, play good, play good. Shout out Eddie for the pregame stuff, too.

[Cooper DeJean]

Shout out Eddie. It's our guy.

[Reed Blankenship]

It's our guy. Probably had to continue that, but obviously we talked about this beforehand. Your role is about to change. This is year three, dude. You gotta keep stacking, man. Stack. Keep stacking, Keep stacking, because that's what you do. That's what we do. Got to keep it going. Obviously, like I said, you're. The leadership's gonna be important for you. Get that C, baby.

[Cooper DeJean]

Yeah. I mean, obviously, with you gone now, and me and Q are probably the only ones in the room right now with the most experience, you know, playing.

[Reed Blankenship]

That's crazy.

[Cooper DeJean]

Which is. Yeah. Which is crazy.

[Reed Blankenship]

Y' all are. Y' all are really young, for sure.

[Cooper DeJean]

Yeah. So someone's going to have to take over that vocal leadership role. Obviously, we learned from Mr. Blankenship and in all he taught us and what he led us, you know? But I'm excited for it. It'll be. Be a good challenge, you know, kind of step into that role and kind of bring the guys along, get them fired up a little bit, you know, like our boy used to do.

[Reed Blankenship]

I would love to hear some of your speeches, bro.

[Cooper DeJean]

I'm not like a big bro.

[Reed Blankenship]

I'm not like, dude, I'm not either. I'm not either.

[Cooper DeJean]

You before every fucking game, you were in the huddle.

[Reed Blankenship]

You know why?

[Cooper DeJean]

Fuck these guys. Let's go.

[Reed Blankenship]

Hey, bro, it's just what. How I'm feeling. It's what you feel. If that's what you feel, that's cool. If you don't feel like that, do what Dallas does and tell jokes.

[Cooper DeJean]

Yeah, let's. Let's go, guys. Let's have fun today. Team on three. One, two, three. Team.

[Reed Blankenship]

Hey, that's part of it. That's part of being that role. If you take it on, you gotta. You gotta do stuff outside of your comfort zone, and that's something.

[Cooper DeJean]

Just embrace it, you know?

[Reed Blankenship]

That's part of it.

[Cooper DeJean]

Have you. Have you talked to many of your. Your teammates, former teammates in Philly that you are now leaving?

[Reed Blankenship]

Yeah, I talked to a few of them. Yeah, I talked to a few of them. Um, it's sad, but it's. Like I said, it's part of the business. Like, you're. You're sad that you're leaving. You're sad that we're. That you won't be able to play with each other. But you're so happy. You're so fortunate to be able to have that opportunity to play with them and to see, you know, the guys that left Philly to. To see them go get what they deserve and. And for the guys that are still there, like, I mean, there's a lot of work we did together. I mean, we went through it all. Like I said, you build those relationships, you build those bonds that people don't. People on the outside don't see. Like, they. We go through stuff every day and, you know, we got to pick each other up when. When times get tough. But, yeah, it's. I've talked to a few of them. Everybody's in good spirits. Obviously, it's. It's different because guys that's been there for a long time are now finding new homes. But one thing I always tell them, my number, don't change. Hit me up whenever. If you need anything, like, I'll try to do my best to. To help. If not, I'll try to lead you in the right direction at the end of the day, so.

[Cooper DeJean]

Absolutely. That's why we love Reed Blankenship, because he's. He's always going to be there.

[Reed Blankenship]

Real, bro. Just keep it real.

[Cooper DeJean]

Keeps it real. Always there for the guys. Anything you need. Do you have a final message to our fans in Philly? Fans who supported us, supported you, especially during your time from year one to year four?

[Reed Blankenship]

Yeah, this is. I Mean, it's a little sad, but, I mean, thank you for. For like, accepting me for who I was. I was just a little undrafted guy, didn't really know what to do with my life. I just wanted to play football, wanted to. To love the game as much as the fans did. And I land. I was so blessed to land in a spot where. Where fans just were die hard. They loved every ounce of it. If they could, they would strap it on and go play on Sundays. They would go play with you. But most importantly, they kept you humble. And whether they loved you, whether they didn't like you, they let you know. But at the end of the day, that's just what makes Philly different. And I always cherish that. I always cherish all the moments that I've had when I'm walking down the street and somebody just sees me and just lights up and you're like, wow, you know, it's crazy to think that I could do that to someone. I'm just. I'm just another guy, you know, Just another guy that loves to play football. And God's blessed me to play on Sundays, you know? So just want to say thank you to all of our fans. You know, I'm not technically leaving. I'll still be here with my co host, and we're going to talk, obviously, Eagle ball and Texans ball, so. But for the most part, it's all love for me. I have no hate. I mean, I'll always be 32 there, so.

[Cooper DeJean]

Yeah, you will.

[Reed Blankenship]

I'll always be 32, so.

[Cooper DeJean]

And he's coming back next year to play in the Link against the Philadelphia Eagles.

[Reed Blankenship]

I am. I am. So. I'll be there. No booze if y' all boo. Shame on y'.

[Cooper DeJean]

All.

[Reed Blankenship]

I'm joking.

[Cooper DeJean]

You guys better not joking, bro.

[Reed Blankenship]

But it's all love. It's all love. No hating. I love, man. I love it, man.

[Cooper DeJean]

Yeah, yeah, they might boo you just get in your head, but it's okay. They still love you, though, you know, it's all right.

[Reed Blankenship]

I wouldn't expect anything different, honestly. So.

[Cooper DeJean]

All right, enough with the. The sad time. What. What do you got going on the rest of the off season? Wait, when do you go sign for your new contract?

[Reed Blankenship]

So I'll fly out? I think I'm supposed to fly out tomorrow, do my physical and sign tomorrow, and then come back home. Yeah, I think.

[Cooper DeJean]

Damn.

[Reed Blankenship]

I know. It's quick, bro. Is quick. Figure out when I'm supposed to be back for OTAs, and most importantly, find out when old baby girl's gonna be coming into this world.

[Cooper DeJean]

Oh, yeah.

[Reed Blankenship]

A lot of things in life are happening right now. A lot of things. A lot of. Lot of great things, so.

[Cooper DeJean]

A lot of great things.

[Reed Blankenship]

We're excited. We just gotta figure out where I'm gonna be during this time because she just. I think she just hit 29 weeks Tuesday, so. We're getting there, man. We are getting there.

[Cooper DeJean]

Did you talk to Big Play Slay? I think he lives. He lives down there in Houston.

[Reed Blankenship]

No, he actually FaceTimed me before everything kind of went down and just asked me what was going down. But I do need to hit him up about that, because I did. I mean, he has. It feels like he has places everywhere. But he does have a place in Houston, though.

[Cooper DeJean]

Down there in Houston, though. Yeah.

[Reed Blankenship]

Yeah.

[Cooper DeJean]

I'll be out here playing golf. You want to come play golf with me, bro? Just let me know.

[Reed Blankenship]

See, the thing is, you were supposed to come to Nashville one time and see, that's not a confident coop, so.

[Cooper DeJean]

I'll get there, bro. Don't you worry. Probably in the next. Maybe in the next couple weeks, come beat your ass in golf or something.

[Reed Blankenship]

Yeah, just let me know, bro. We'll try to get on the grove or something.

[Cooper DeJean]

Okay.

[Reed Blankenship]

That's where the live tournament was.

[Cooper DeJean]

Talking that talk. Talking my language.

[Reed Blankenship]

Yeah, that's right.

[Cooper DeJean]

Anyways, there's a lot of questions going around about the future of exciting mics and me and Mr. Mr. Blankenship, now that he's leaving to go play in Houston.

[Reed Blankenship]

But we might. I mean, I don't know, do we keep doing this or what? But the thing is. I'm joking. We are going to keep doing this. Of course we are. We're definitely gonna have to switch up the color scheme a little bit because I can't be in that. That green anymore, so. But yes, we do want to continue the show. Want to bring in, obviously, the different sides of the fan base and still catch up with each other. I mean.

[Cooper DeJean]

Yeah, so we got. We got some fun stuff. Fun stuff planned for the off season coming up. We're going to get it back rolling here in about a month or so, I believe. Yeah, maybe a little.

[Reed Blankenship]

Things start settling down.

[Cooper DeJean]

Yeah, we'll. We'll get her back rolling and, you know, but love to hear what you guys are thinking. If we should. What we should do about the. The logo, should we switch it to, like, a neutral color, the whole thing, or should we make read?

[Reed Blankenship]

I think we should do his color green and me this other color, so.

[Cooper DeJean]

Okay. But we're gonna have to change. We're gonna have to change the. Because the exciting mics is in green. Unless you just do that in green.

[Reed Blankenship]

No. No.

[Cooper DeJean]

I don't know. We'll have to get it figured out. We'll have to get it figured out.

[Reed Blankenship]

That'd be cool. I'm glad we don't have to really figure all that out.

[Cooper DeJean]

We have maybe not new logo, but new new color scheme. But yeah, we probably won't have much to say about it.

[Reed Blankenship]

We can agree on it. But there's some. I mean other bright minds.

[Cooper DeJean]

Yeah.

[Reed Blankenship]

That help us.

[Cooper DeJean]

So they're great at their jobs too.

[Reed Blankenship]

Thank you for tuning in to another episode of Exciting Mics.

[Cooper DeJean]

Remember to like, comment, share and subscribe on YouTube or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

[Reed Blankenship]

And as always, we appreciate your love and support and we'll see you soon.

[Cooper DeJean]

Go Birds. Dickhead.

[Reed Blankenship]

Go Texas, baby.

[Podcast Sponsor/Announcer]

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