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Ex-Lions Pro Bowler Takes Pay Cut to Join Eagles’ Super Bowl Mission

Philadelphia, PA – September 9, 2025

The Philadelphia Eagles have made a signing that speaks louder than dollar figures. In a league where contracts often measure a player’s value, one veteran defender is showing that legacy and rings matter more than money. This move wasn’t about maximizing cash — it was about pursuing history.
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With Brandon Graham retiring and Josh Sweat leaving in free agency, Philadelphia’s front office acted quickly to bolster its defensive front. The deal didn’t make headlines for its financial size, but it carried a clear message: the Eagles remain fully committed to chasing a championship.

For fans, the pattern feels familiar — a battle-tested veteran willing to take less pay in order to wear midnight green. The motivation isn’t financial security anymore; it’s the shot at ultimate glory.

That veteran is Za’Darius Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler and disruptive edge rusher, who signed a one-year contract worth $4.25 million in base salary, with incentives that could raise the total to $8.25 million. Just a season ago in Detroit, Smith earned more than $10 million. The pay cut is obvious, but so is the reason behind it.

“I could’ve chased a bigger paycheck, but I’ve been doing that my whole career,” Smith said. “Now I’m chasing something else — a Super Bowl. Philly gives me that chance.”

The Eagles expect Smith to bring both production and leadership, strengthening a defensive line built for playoff football. His arrival isn’t just about depth; it’s about embracing the culture Nick Sirianni has fostered — sacrifice, hunger, and a singular obsession with winning.

Now 32, Smith has endured injuries and roster shifts, but his urgency has never been higher. Every rep, every snap, every sack will be driven by the same mission: capturing the Lombardi Trophy that has long eluded him.

For Philadelphia, Smith’s willingness to accept less money is more than a signing. It’s a symbol — that in a city defined by grit and passion, sacrifice in pursuit of glory remains the most powerful move of all.

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Ravens Fan-Favourite CB Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Baltimore, MD – October 8, 2025Baltimore Ravens second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins is mourning a profound personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin, Justin “Spidey” Fuller — a respected military-trained skydiving instructor — died in a tragic tandem jump accident outside Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending personnel for their efforts. Known by the nickname “Spidey,” Fuller died after a tandem skydive went wrong on October 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Beloved in the skydiving community, Spidey had completed more than 5,000 jumps and helped train U.S. service members in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused and devoted to lifting others higher — in life and in the air.” Wiggins — whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller’s mother, grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Nate that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Nate lives and plays today.” Wiggins, a former first-round pick from Clemson, has steadily earned the Ravens’ trust as a rotational cornerback in nickel/dime packages, praised for his speed, press technique, and ability to carry deep routes. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years,” calm under pressure, and disciplined at the catch point. Through the first five games of 2025, he has 12 solo tackles, 4 passes defensed, and 1 interception, reinforcing his value on the perimeter.  The Ravens organization has provided time and private support for Wiggins and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to “Spidey” continue to pour in on social media from military colleagues, fellow skydivers, and fans across the country.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Wiggins kept his public comments brief, speaking softly before being embraced by teammates:“Spidey always told me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”