As the Philadelphia Eagles kick the preseason off against the Indianapolis Colts tomorrow, some of the off-season interplay between the two teams garners some attention.
In the 2005 NFL draft, the Eagles selected offensive lineman Todd Herremans in the fifth round with the 126th overall pick.
Just twenty picks later, the Eagles selected defensive-end/linebacker Trent Cole.
After playing a decade side-by-side in the city of brotherly love, both Herremans and Cole were released by the team in March. Both ended up signing with the Colts this offseason.
Cole is excited to return Philadelphia, a place that he still calls home.
"It's going to be fun," Cole said. "It's going to be a good time to get back and see my other home. That's going to be my home, too, no matter what. But like I said, I'm here with the Indianapolis Colts. This is my new home and new family. I am proud to be here and regret nothing that happened there or coming here."
On the other hand, Herremans admits that returning to Philadelphia as an opponent will feel a bit awkward. Although, he believes that those nerves will go away after kickoff.
"The weirdest thing is just going to the visitor locker room and coming out of the visitor's tunnel," Herremans said. "I think that will be weird but other than that it's just football when you get out there."
In yesterday's press conference, Chip Kelly had kind words to say about his two former players. He also gave some insight as to why they won't be wearing green,white and black this year.
"Those two guys were outstanding leaders here," Kelly said. "Todd, offensively, and Trent, defensively. Economically is the only reason why they are on the other sideline, but those two guys did absolutely everything we asked them here. They were two tremendous football players and two great Eagles. So I'll be excited to see both those guys."
Additionally, who can forget about the whole Frank Gore fiasco from this off-season?
Multiple reports suggested that Gore planned to sign a three-year contract with the Eagles worth up to $7.5 million in guarantees.
The next day, the former San Francisco 49ers running back revoked on his verbal agreement with Philadelphia and signed a deal with the Colts.
Gore reportedly chose Indianapolis in favor of Philadelphia because he was offered more money with the Colts and he was skeptical as to how good the Eagles are as a football team.
Gore's abandonment of the Eagles may turn out to be a blessing in disguise for Philadelphia.
Days after Gore backed out on his deal, the Eagles signed the reigning NFL leading-rusher, DeMarco Murray, to a five-year-deal worth $42 million.
Tomorrow, I expect both Cole and Herremans to receive a warm welcome from the Philly faithful.
As for Gore, I highly doubt that will be the case.
Michael Malia is a contributing intern for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Facebook (Michael Malia) or Twitter @Michael_Malia.
