Reed Blankenship Talks Eagles Departure, Feeling Wanted By The Texans

One Philadelphia Eagles defender is flying southwest for the foreseeable future.

Reed Blankenship inked a three-year, $24.75 million deal with the Houston Texans in free agency, ending the safety's time in the City of Brotherly Love. An undrafted free agent out of Middle Tennessee State University in 2022, Blankenship is set to receive his first big payday in the NFL.

He spoke about the decision to leave on the latest episode of the "Exciting Mics" podcast, which he hosts with Eagles' cornerback, Cooper DeJean.

“Your boy is flying the nest," Blankenship said. "I would say, unfortunately. But fortunately, this is life-changing for me. All grown up. Obviously, we can get into the nitty-gritty here, but it was huge. I had never been in a situation like that, obviously. Honestly, I guess that’s probably what it felt like getting drafted, I would assume."

Blankenship detailed the process that he was going through for the first time, saying he had to be around his phone at all times. The 27-year old noted that things can move quickly in free agency and missing a call could mean a missed opportunity.

Luckily for him, the call from the Texans didn't go to voicemail.

“I felt like I was wanted, and I feel like I never really had that with my whole career," Blankenship said. "When Houston started calling, it really felt like they wanted to take a shot on me, to take a chance on me."

The Alabama native pointed out that he is excited to be moving to the south and is looking forward to joining a Texans defense that was among the best in the league last season. Still, he'll miss the relationships that he built with the Eagles and seeing those people all the time.

"It's sad, but it's part of the business," Blankenship said of his message to his now-former teammates. "You're sad that you're leaving, you're sad that you won't be able to play with each other, but you're so happy, you're so fortunate to have that opportunity to play with them."

Blankenship can now enjoy some financial security after signing with the Texans. With a daughter on the way, the safety has come a long way from $5,000 signing bonus he received from the Eagles as an undrafted free agent. He developed into a starter for the Philadelphia defense, playing in 56 games through four seasons.

He finishes his Eagles' career with nine interceptions, three fumble recoveries and 308 total tackles. Blankenship, who also posted a farewell on social media, had a parting message for the Eagles fans on the podcast.

"Thank you for accepting me for who I was," he said. "I was just a little undrafted guy, didn't really know what to do with my life, just wanted to play football, wanted to love the game as much as the fans did. I was so blessed to land in a spot where fans were diehard."

"If they could, they would strap it on and go play on Sundays. Most importantly, they kept you humble. Whether they loved you or didn't like you, they let you know. At the end of the day, that's what makes Philly different and I'll always cherish that."

Blankenship, who wore No. 32 with the team, said that the podcast with DeJean will continue despite the two playing for different teams.

"I'll always be 32 there."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Reed Blankenship says he felt wanted by the Texans in free agency