Eagles Bring Back Former Fan Favorite After Patriots Brutally Cut Him From 53-Man Roster

Philadelphia, PA – August 28, 2025 
The Philadelphia Eagles are reuniting with a familiar face, bringing back safety Marcus Epps just one day after he was released by the New England Patriots during final 53-man roster cuts.

For Eagles fans, this move is more than a simple roster adjustment — it’s the return of a player whose story has long embodied Philly grit.

Epps isn’t a superstar name like Darius Slay or Jalen Hurts, but he carved out a special place in the hearts of the fanbase. Drafted in the sixth round in 2019 by Minnesota and waived as a rookie, Epps clawed his way into relevance after being picked up by Philadelphia midseason. His journey — from a Wyoming walk-on to starting safety in Super Bowl LVII — became a source of pride for many who saw their own fight in his. NBC Sports Philadelphia once called him “a blueprint for resilience,” while jokermag.com highlighted him as “the walk-on who made it to the NFL’s biggest stage.”

By 2022, Epps had started all 17 regular-season games for the Eagles and played 100% of defensive snaps in Super Bowl LVII against the Chiefs, logging six tackles. Though Philly fell short in that game, Epps’ relentless effort resonated with fans who appreciated the grind behind his rise.

Now 29, Epps rejoins a safety group featuring Reed Blankenship, Sydney Brown, and rookie Andrew Mukuba. With C.J. Gardner-Johnson traded in March, Epps brings much-needed veteran leadership and system familiarity to the defending Super Bowl champions.

General manager Howie Roseman praised the move, emphasizing not just depth but culture: “We’re always looking to bring in players who know what it means to play in Philly. Marcus has proven that time and again.”

When he left for the Raiders in free agency in 2023, many Eagles fans expressed regret. On X, one post at the time read: “Epps may not be flashy, but he’s Philly tough. Hate to see him go.” His return on August 27, 2025 has sparked the opposite reaction: joy. “WELCOME HOME, BIG DAWG,” one fan wrote, while another added, “From walk-on to Super Bowl starter… only in Philly. Let’s ride again!”

As the Eagles prepare for their title defense opener against the Cowboys, the return of Marcus Epps represents more than roster depth — it’s a reunion between the City of Brotherly Love and one of its adopted fighters, a reminder that in Philadelphia, heart and hustle earn just as much love as raw talent.