‘I want to build a legacy’: Eagles All-Pro Haason Reddick delivers poignant message during youth camp in Camden

Haason Reddick positioned himself in a low squat, looked directly toward a large group of high schoolers, and belted out: “Lemme see something!”

The Eagles’ All-Pro linebacker kept a close eye while local youth participated in a variety of football drills as part of Reddick’s fifth annual youth camp Saturday morning at the athletic fields along Camden’s Waterfront.

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The three-hour, no-cost camp featured more than 300 kids between the ages of 7-16. Reddick began with an introductory speech during which he implored the local youth to stay away from violence and remain active in after-school activities and sports.

“This means everything,” Reddick said. “These kids are the future. I just want to play my part, come out here, and give them some guidance and give them somebody to look up to. It’s very significant. This is where I’m from. I played right across the bridge.

“I want to build a legacy. I’m trying to leave something behind. I want to make an impact in these kids lives.

“Hopefully, 10 years from now, they’ll be saying, ‘Man, I remember when I went to the Haason Reddick camp!’ Hopefully some of these guys and girls are able to make it into my shoes or be in my position, and be able to do the same thing for the next generation.”

Added Camden Mayor Vic Carstarphen: “Haason is always stepping up. His level of giving back, always wanting to be accountable, and helping the city ... it’s unmatched. He was doing that before he became an Eagle. Now that he’s home, there hasn’t been a time where he’s told a kid ‘no.’

“Despite getting pulled in different directions, he understands the importance of inspiring the youth.”

In March 2022, the Eagles signed Reddick, a Temple alumnus and Camden native, to a three-year deal worth $45 million.

During his first season back home, Reddick, 28, proved to be worth every penny.

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He terrorized opposing backfields en route to the best year of his career with All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. Reddick finished with 16 sacks (second most in NFL) and five forced fumbles (tied for most in NFL) in the regular season. The 6-foot-1, 240-pound pass rusher also became the first player in NFL history to record double-digit sacks in three consecutive seasons for three different teams (Arizona Cardinals, 2020; Carolina Panthers, 2021).

“It’s a lovely thing,” longtime Camden County youth coach Anton Dyer said. “He’s made it in the NFL, he’s shown he can be one of the best players in the world. He’s a role model, and he shows them that they can make it, too.”

Reddick said he’s looking forward to training camp, which is scheduled to begin July 25. The defense has three pass rushers — Reddick, Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham — who finished with double-digit sacks last season. The unit also welcomes new defensive coordinator Sean Desai, along with a pair of 2023 first-round picks in defensive tackle Jalen Carter and linebacker Nolan Smith.

Despite some of the changes , Reddick said continuity in veteran leadership should ease the transition. The Eagles are still widely viewed as favorites to repeat as NFC champions.

Heading into Year 2 with his hometown team, Reddick is hoping to assert himself even more, especially as a leader in the defensive room.

“I’m in great shape,” he said. “As crazy as it sounds, I feel as if there’s still more levels for me to tap into. I’m extremely excited and looking to build on another great year. I want to continue to progress on what I did and what the team did last year.

“We know our ultimate goals, but it starts with us striving for constant success.”