Most guys who vanish for 707 days don’t come back. They sell insurance, coach high school DBs, or fade into dynasty-league trivia. For almost two years, his cleats gathered dust while the league played on.
That was Parry Nickerson’s reality. He kept practicing, waiting, and hoping for another shot at Sunday glory. His journey was a relentless grind. This is a story about staying ready when your moment seems lost forever.
On Sunday, the 30-year-old cornerback—cut in August, living on the practice squad—rode a silent elevator up to the Eagles’ active roster. The Eagles’ $1.17 million cornerback shattered his 707-day regular season drought in a 31-25 win over Tampa Bay. Activated from the practice squad just days prior, he played a crucial role on the final defensive stand.
“I try to keep it neutral, but my emotion was high,” Nickerson said. His journey from afterthought to key contributor is a stunning twist in the Eagles' unbeaten start. He waited nearly the entire game for his three defensive snaps. Then, with 53 seconds left, his number was called.
Nickerson covered tight end Cade Otton on a 4th-and-9, making a game-sealing tackle after a short gain. This was no fluke. It was the result of a mantra he lives by. “They say stay ready so you don’t have to get ready,” Nickerson stated. And his preparedness paid off in a massive way for the team.
This clutch play is part of a larger pattern for the 4-0 Eagles. They consistently find heroes in unlikely places. Besides, the special teams unit set the tone early with a blocked punt for a touchdown. This team has a knack for making winning plays when it matters most, even when the offense falters. So how does a player stay sharp through two years of silence?
Parry Nickerson & a Test of Mental Fortitude
Nickerson admitted the mental battle was the hardest part. “I was basically like, ‘Let me warm up a little bit.’ Did some high knees on the sideline, get everything going. Just so happened, they called the package that I was in, and you know the rest,” he confessed. That zeal required immense discipline. He was released 15 times and played for six different teams. However, he kept working behind the scenes, believing in his chance. His veteran presence also became a quiet asset in a young defensive room.
His impact, though brief, was statistically significant. According to Pro Football Focus, Nickerson earned an 80.6 grade on his eight total snaps. This places him fifth-highest among Eagles defenders this season. That grade immediately challenges the perception of the team's depth. It proves that even the deepest reserves can provide starter-level execution.
Rookie Quinyon Mitchell embodies the starting unit's confident swagger. He shadowed Bucs receiver Emeka Egbuka, allowing just two catches. “I don’t really fear nobody,” Mitchell declared after jawing with Baker Mayfield. This fearless attitude, combined with savvy contributions from players like Nickerson, creates a formidable and deep secondary.
The Eagles’ philosophy values every roster spot. From practice squad call-ups like Cameron Latu to veterans like Nickerson, everyone is expected to contribute. This "next man up" mentality is a key reason for their 20-1 record over the last 21 games. They are a team built on more than just star power.
Read more: Jason Kelce rings alarm on Eagles’ offensive struggles but backs OC’s scheme
Still, one tackle doesn’t erase 15 career cuts. Denver arrives with a short week, fresh legs, and a rookie QB eager to pick on “the old guy.” If Nickerson passes that pop quiz, the fairy tale gains another chapter. If not, well, he’s been cut before—he knows where the door is, and he knows how to slam it shut.