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

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.

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)

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)

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

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.