The Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean was having a solid third season and first full year as the starter before a postseason injury put an end to it. Dean recorded 128 tackles, nine TFLs, three sacks, one interception, four pass deflections, and one forced fumble in 15 regular-season starts, along with 14 pressures, 56 stops, and a 116.0 passer rating per PFF. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn left patellar tendon in the Wild Card Round, which typically carries a six-to-twelve-month recovery time.
Since the injury occurred later in the season, chances are he misses the start of 2025.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ LB is progressing nicely
Philadelphia Eagles, Nakobe Dean
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) rushes the ball against Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams (93) and linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) during the first half in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
So far, Nakobe Dean is progressing nicely, four months removed from the patellar injury. Dean is currently rehabbing without a brace on his left knee and looked healthy during the Eagles Memorial Day outing at The Palestra, suggesting that he is ahead of schedule. The team went to The Palestra, located at the University of Pennsylvania, to play some basketball at the historic arena.
We’ve got some certified BALLERS ⛹️ pic.twitter.com/tuBQAlM7e0
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) May 23, 2025
He is also taking up a unique activity.
1 unique activity aiding starters’ recovery
Philadelphia Eagles, Nakobe Dean
Apr 28, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean on the red carpet at the Fountains of Bellagio before the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Former NFL players, including Lynn Swann, Walter Payton, Herschel Walker, and Steve McLendon, have used ballet to aid them in recovering from injuries and boosting their performance on the football field. During Thursday’s interview with Brendan Brightman and Matt DeLucia of NBC Philadelphia, Nakobe Dean shared that he has been taking up ballet at BalletX to aid in his recovery. Dean also added that the ballet has assisted with his flexibility, mobility, and agility, and he is feeling less tight and sore.
“There’s way more flexibility, of course. Way more mobility,” Dean said of the results of his ballet training, via Brightman and DeLucia. “It’s definitely something that’s helping with my rehab.
“You just feel a change immediately. After you stretch, you’re not as tight or as sore.”
While Dean is optimistic about his rehab, there is no clear timetable for his return. He also hopes to be ready for the start of 2025.
He is facing a pivotal 2025 campaign
Philadelphia Eagles, Nakobe Dean
Dec 15, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) before action against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Once he returns, Nakobe Dean faces a pivotal 2025 campaign because he enters the final year of his rookie contract and will hit free agency in 2026. If things work out, Dean could sign a lucrative long-term extension next offseason or sign elsewhere for a decent amount. If things don’t work out, he will likely sign for much less.
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