Philadelphia Eagle J.J. Outlaw doesn?t know whether his NFL career will be as a wide receiver or on special teams, or if his career will even make it to opening day.
However, the Columbia native got to live out a dream last Thursday night by playing an NFL game at M&T Bank Stadium in front of his hometown fans. Outlaw, a 2002 Mount St. Joseph graduate, saw limited action, including one punt return for three yards in a 20-10 loss.
“I grew up in this area and to have a chance to play in this stadium was an unbelievable experience,” said Outlaw, who went to high school with Ravens tight end Rob Abiamiri. “Now I have to pay my dues and find the best opportunity to make this team.”
While the Eaglesmay have been the visiting team, they brought with them a number of other players with ties to Maryland. Other area players who made the trip down I-95 included former Maryland running back Bruce Perry and former Arundel High standout Darnerien McCants.
Perry had one kickoff return for 28 yards while McCants, who played his college ball at Delaware State, finished the game with no receptions. However, McCants did start at wide receiver and was involved in one of Philadelphia?s biggest plays from scrimmage when he drew a 33-yard pass interference call on Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle.
“This is basically a good situation for me,” McCants said. “[Eagles coach Andy] Reid said the door is wide open for me. Now, all I have to do is work hard and prove to them I should start.”
EAGLES NOTES
» Outlaw, who had 199 catches for 2,326 yards and 16 touchdowns at Villanova, signed with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent.
» McCants best year as a pro came in 2003 with Washington when he had 27 catches for 360 yards and six touchdowns. He is in his second year with the Eagles.
» Perry, a 2004 seventh-round draft pick, rushed for 76 yards on 16 carries for the Eagles in 2005.
