Some guys are difficult to prepare for. Others are impossible to prepare for. No one practicing for a tussle with the Buddy Ryan's Philadelphia Eagles could really simulate what it was truly like to face his defense during a Wedbesday practice.
Heck, forget the defense! Who's playing the Randall Cunningham role on another roster? How did teams ever simulate some version of Michael Vick?
There's a Super Bowl to be played, and Philly may have been having the same issue that Eagles opponents have had in trying to prepare for all of these weapons on offense. Though he's the brother of a franchise legend, Travis Kelce is public enemy number one some February 9th, but how do you prepare for him?
It appears the Eagles' coaching staff is relying on a familiar face.
Brent Celek plays the role of Travis Kelce during an Eagles Super Bowl practice.
The Cincinnati Bearcats have been kind to our Philadelphia Eagles. The Birds have found Trent Cole and Jason Kelce there, but they also found a six-foot-four tight end in 2007.
Brent Celek spent each of his 11 NFL seasons in the City of Brotherly Love. He's a Super Bowl champion. Since 2020, he has been a personnel consultant, but ahead of the Super Bowl, he's helping the Birds get ready to tackle Travis Kelce.
As the Birds wrapped the second of three sessions before traveling to New Orleans, a few clips surfaced of Celek running a few routes. We enter a few exhibits into the conversations as evidence.
Brent Celek and Joe Kasper working with CJ and Reed. pic.twitter.com/2Z66EUppp2
— John McMullen (@JFMcMullen) January 31, 2025
#Eagles’ preparing for Chiefs TE Travis Kelce with safeties Reed Blankenship and C.J. Gardner-Johnson during individual drills. Going to be a matchup in man defense. The pair struggled some vs. Zach Ertz in the NFC championship. pic.twitter.com/SiGVHRKgKz
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) January 31, 2025
Brent Celek running routes with C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) January 31, 2025
The #Eagles have a massive matchup with Travis Kelce in Super Bowl LIX.
Why not have a franchise legend help them prepare? pic.twitter.com/qCtV2nyjAS
This is a nice wrinkle. C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Reed Blankenship aren't known for the coverage, and in the NFC Championship Game vs. the Washington Commanders, they had a few issues with Zach Ertz.
Limiting Travis Kelce will no doubt be part of the defensive game plan. If they are successful in their efforts, Philly will increase their chances on Super Bowl Sunday.