As he continues to establish himself as an impact player for the Vikings, cornerback Isaiah Rodgers made it clear this week that he doesn’t have any ill will as he prepares to face his former team.
He only feels gratitude that the Philadelphia Eagles gave him a second chance.
That wasn’t guaranteed for Rodgers after he was suspended in June 2023 for violating the NFL’s policy on gambling. He was cut by the Indianapolis Colts as soon as the suspension was finalized, despite showing flashes early in his career.
To his credit, Rodgers took full responsibility at the time, acknowledging that he made a mistake and vowing to take accountability for his actions. He was signed by the Eagles in August 2023 despite the fact that he wasn’t allowed to be a part of the team in any capacity during his suspension.
“It meant everything to me,” Rodgers said. “They welcomed me with open arms. They knew what type of player I was. We were able to put everything in the past.”
Though he was technically a member of the organization throughout his suspension, Rodgers still lived in an awkward state of limbo until April 2024 when he was officially reinstated. There was an occasion during that span that Rodgers remembers seeing Eagles receiver Devonta Smith at a store in Tampa, Fla. They didn’t interact at all.
“He didn’t even know I was his teammate,” Rodgers said. “I knew no players on the team.”
That changed once Rodgers was back in the mix. He established himself as a valuable depth piece last season as the Eagles put together a run that ended with them defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
All the while, Rodgers knew he could bring more to the table. He wasn’t content simply being a backup who filled in when a starter was injured. Asked how he kept himself motivated in the meantime, he replied, “Just being grateful to even be in the league.”
That sentence made Rodgers pause for a few seconds. He knows he wasn’t entitled to the second chance that was afforded to him following his suspension. He made a promise to himself that he wasn’t going to take it for granted.
“It was a moment that forced me to wake up,” Rodgers said. “I had realize that football could be gone tomorrow.”
That gave him valuable perspective that he still carries with him.
“That time away was very much needed,” Rodgers said. “I focused on being a better person off the field.”
That might have made him a better player on the field.
The skill set that Rodgers displayed in spot minutes with the Eagles was enough for the Vikings to be interested in free agency. Asked why he decided to sign with the Vikings, Rodgers pointed to the role he discussed with defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
“I wanted more,” Rodgers said. “I think coming here was a chance to reset my career.”
That’s proven to be the case for Rodgers so far, as he’s slowly developing into a star for the Vikings. The highlight was, of course, earlier this season when Rodgers scored a pair of defensive touchdowns and forced a pair of fumbles in a win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Not that he’s satisfied.
“I just want to keep showing everybody what I’m capable of,” Rodgers said. “I know I can play in this league. Not really proving the doubters wrong. More so proving the people who believed in me right.”
