Vincent and Carlin to enter Eagles Hall of Fame

Cornerback Troy Vincent was initially reluctant to sign with the Eagles before the 1996 season. A Trenton native who attended Pennsbury High School, Vincent knew the difficulties that others had experienced playing for their local team.

He eventually relented, joining the Eagles from the Miami Dolphins. He spent eight seasons with the franchise, earning five Pro Bowl appearances and carving out a spot among the top players in team history. That distinction will be recognized at halftime of the Eagles' Nov. 26 game against Carolina, when Vincent and longtime ticket manager Leo Carlin become the 36th and 37th members of the Eagles Hall of Fame.

"This is the ultimate honor, especially growing up 18 to 20 miles from Veterans Stadium," Vincent said during a conference call Friday.

Vincent played under Ray Rhodes and Andy Reid, and witnessed the Eagles' rise, fall, and rise again. He teamed with Brian Dawkins and Bobby Taylor in what he hopes will be remembered as "the greatest secondary ever to put on a Philadelphia Eagle uniform."

Vincent is now the NFL's vice president of player engagement. When the Eagles' telephone number appeared on Vincent's cellphone Thursday, he asked team owner Jeffrey Lurie if everything was all right. Lurie told him there was no problem, and shared with Vincent the news of the induction.

"Literally, what do you say?" Vincent said, recalling the conversation.

For Carlin, the answer was "150 thank-you's." Lurie had not even finished talking when Carlin's stream of appreciation started, he said, because it was an honor the team's director of ticket client services said he never imagined. Carlin has been with the team since 1960 and has been a full-time employee since 1964 except for a brief gap in the 1980s. He helped the Eagles transition from Franklin Field to Veterans Stadium to Lincoln Financial Field.

In seasons past, part of his job was to call the NFL during the week to alert the league if the stadium wasn't sold out and a local television blackout was required.

"We don't need to call anymore," Carlin said Friday.

That is because of the fans. In different ways, Vincent and Carlin helped fill the stadium, and in November they will receive their due in front of those fans.

"I wouldn't want to play for another group of fans if I have the choice," said Vincent, who also played for Buffalo and Washington in addition to Miami. "I can't wait to go out there and thank them again, one more time."

The Eagles released rookie free agents defensive tackle Tevita Finau and punter Ryan Tydlacka. Rookies and selected veterans report to training camp at Lehigh on Sunday.