Birds Sign US Army Ranger Alejandro Villanueva

PFT – Alejandro Villanueva followed a rarely traveled path. The Eagles announced that they have signed Villanueva as a free agent after he spent the last four years as a U.S. Army Ranger. Captain Villanueva served three tours in Afghanistan and has received the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, the Ranger Tab and many other commendations during his years of service. Vllanueva spent a little time with the Bengals four years ago before doing his military service and took part in the Super Regional Combine earlier this year. He told Albert Breer of NFL Network that he’ll head back for another tour if he doesn’t make it onto an NFL roster. “The four years I’ve had in the Army have been the best four years you could ask for,” Villanueva said. “The guys I served with … above me and under me … were phenomenal guys. They were good experiences that made me the man I am today. But now, I see this as a win-win situation. Obviously, I’m trying to get to a team and contribute. But if I can’t, then I can’t wait to get back to the Army and serve in the same manner that I have.”

LOVE IT. Sure, Alejandro is a long shot to make the club, but it’s another move Chip Kelly has made that fits his idea of what he wants for this team. Key word: TEAM. Not individuals playing for stats, Pro-Bowls or contract money just to support their record label. TEAM. Get the best 11 players out there on the field that can not only play as one, but fight to the death for the guy next to them. Villanueva would be an instant fan favorite if he makes the squad, but what he brings behind the scenes may help the Eagles more than his actual play on the gridiron. Wait, he’s 6’9? Love it even more.

Can this team be any more likable? If the Eagles somehow snag a Lombardi Trophy in the next couple years then statues of Chip Kelly and his players would be put up around the city like the Emperors in Rome.