Philadelphia, PA – April 26, 2025 – Former Philadelphia Eagles safety Rodney McLeod, a Super Bowl LII champion, announced his retirement at 34, sources told ESPN’s Tim McManus. The beloved veteran sent a five-word message to the Eagles Faithful: “Forever grateful, Philly, fly high!”
McLeod, undrafted in 2012, played six seasons (2016-2021) with Philly, amassing 414 tackles, 10 interceptions, and 6 forced fumbles. His leadership anchored the 2017 title run, earning fan adoration, per @PhillyFaithful, still buzzing from A.J. Brown’s car-theft saga.
In 2017, McLeod’s 3 interceptions and PFF grade of 78.9 solidified the Eagles’ secondary alongside Malcolm Jenkins. He started 15 games, delivering clutch plays in Super Bowl LII’s 41-33 triumph over New England, cementing his legacy at Lincoln Financial Field.
“Rodney’s a true Eagle,” coach Nick Sirianni said. McLeod’s one-year, $2 million deal with Cleveland in 2024 (26 tackles, 1 interception) marked his final season. Retirement follows a 13-year career across the Rams, Colts, and Browns.
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McLeod left Philly in 2022 for Indianapolis, sparking fan outcry on Reddit. His return as a coach was floated by PhillyVoice, reflecting the Faithful’s love. “He’s family,” tweeted @kyleplee610, echoing calls for his comeback post-Jihaad Campbell’s draft.
The Eagles’ secondary, now led by Andrew Mukuba and Reed Blankenship, misses McLeod’s grit. Amid Grant Calcaterra’s drama and Dallas Goedert’s trade buzz, his retirement stirs nostalgia for the 2017 glory, per NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah.
McLeod’s message resonates as Philly chases another title with $60 million cap space and picks like No. 112 eyeing Harold Fannin Jr.. His leadership shaped C.J. Gardner-Johnson, now with Houston, fueling fan dreams of a coaching role.
Retiring as a champion, McLeod’s legacy endures. The Eagles Faithful, battling NFC East rivals like the Cowboys, honor his five-word farewell, soaring with pride for a hero who bled green.
