Oshiomogho Atogwe became the newest member of the Philadelphia Eagles on Wednesday when he signed a one-year contract. On Thursday, the veteran safety had a press conference. Signing with the Eagles was a simple and speedy decision, he said.
"I wouldn't say it was a long process. The Eagles made it clear that they were interested in me, and once we kind of felt each other out for a week or two, they extended an offer to come work out for them, which I was eager and excited to do. I went there two weeks ago and worked out for them. I enjoyed meeting the coaching staff and the general manager. I was just getting a sense of the situation that I'd be growing into. I knew, having played against them last year, the type of team I was getting myself involved with. It was important for me to meet the coaches and front office so I could get to know exactly what type of organization I was joining. Once we got through the workout, they liked what they saw and I liked what I saw. It just made sense."
Atogwe said his role is to make his teammates and the team itself better. "The team explained to me what my role was. As with all players on the team, your primary role is to help everyone else be successful. I'm going to come in, work hard, and do what is asked of me and what is expected to help the Eagles be successful this season."
Atogwe played down concerns about injuries from last season.
"I just had a few knick knacks that didn't allow me to play as well as I had liked to. I'm past that now and I look forward to this next season. I feel great now and I'm at 100%, and I'm excited about going out and playing great football this next season."
He will be expected to compete for playing time immediately in the Eagles secondary even though he will have to learn the system. However, Atogwe feels that he will be a quick study of Philadelphia's defensive scheme.
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