Imagine a chess piece suddenly morphing mid-game, surprising everyone on the board. Nick Sirianni loves finding versatile athletes, guys who can shift roles like a NASCAR driver drafting into a new lane.
For years, the Eagles' offense operated without a traditional fullback hammer. That old-school, lead-blocking force felt as rare as a hole-in-one at your local municipal course. Something was quietly brewing down at the NovaCare Complex, though. A player was transforming. Nick Sirianni had a plan simmering.
That secret weapon?
Ben VanSumeren. And finally, the converted linebacker turned special teams ace broke his silence. He talked about the big switch, sacrificing personal glory for the Eagles' future.***"I told them that I want to help the team, first off,"***VanSumeren stated plainly to Inside The Birds. "That’s No. 1. And I want to be considered the best at something."
Sirianni and Eagles general manager Howie Roseman saw unique potential where others saw just defense. This move wasn't just about filling a spot; it was unlocking a weapon.
VanSumeren boasts a legit 4.4 speed and a jaw-dropping 42.5-inch vertical. Think more of Leonard Weaver—the Eagles' last All-Pro fullback in 2009—than a simple battering ram. He wore Weaver's old number 43 as a nod to that dynamic legacy.
"They told me that the last time that we had an All-Pro fullback here was Leonard Weaver, and he wore 43," VanSumeren shared. "So, they wanted me to wear 43." Sirianni truly craved that explosive versatility.
Sirianni's Fullback Vision Takes Flight
The early returns are electrifying. Remember that October Sunday against the Giants? VanSumeren unleashed his fullback fury. On just five offensive snaps, the Eagles ripped off 60 rushing yards. His key block sprung Saquon Barkley for a 41-yard blast.
VanSumeren raced downfield, celebrating like he scored himself. ***"I was just happy for us to crease one and get a big gain,"***he said post-game. Sirianni immediately recognized the impact.
***"Speed, athletic ability, physicality... we’ll see where this goes,"***Sirianni praised. ***"He's a great athlete, so it's just finding different niches for people, and maybe we found his."***Besides, this transition demanded immense personal sacrifice.
VanSumeren was making real strides as a linebacker. Switching positions mid-career is like asking a starting pitcher to become a closer. It takes grit. Moreover, a serious knee injury in November 2024 threatened to derail everything. Yet, VanSumeren attacked rehab obsessively. Amazingly, he came back stronger.
"Every metric that I had before my injury is higher now," VanSumeren revealed. "Top speed, force plate movements, strength testing… it’s all higher now." His dedication mirrors Philly's blue-collar soul.
VanSumeren perfectly embodies the culture Sirianni fosters. Philly demands effort, and VanSumeren delivers. "It’s the cool thing to go hard," he observed about the Eagles' locker room. "There’s not egos... it’s a cool thing to be a try-hard [guy]." He sees himself in the city’s relentless spirit. Consequently, his selfless move to fullback wasn't just accepted; it was embraced as his path to greatness.
Expect VanSumeren's role to explode in 2025. His rare speed allows blocking schemes previously impossible.
Picture him leading Barkley around the edge like a speed skater clearing the lane. Don't forget his receiver background either—those crisp routes could add a sneaky pass-catching dimension. Sirianni now has a multifaceted tool few NFL offenses possess.
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And this sacrifice reshapes the Eagles' offensive identity.