Getting to know - Quintin Mikell
By ED KRACZ
phillyBurbs.com
Acquired by Eagles: Signed as a rookie free agent in 2003
Originally joined NFL: Same as above
A reserve safety and special teams demon, Quintin Mikell (pronounced MICHAEL) has perfected his role during his first three seasons in Philadelphia. One of six rookie free agents to make the opening day roster in 2003, Mikell has since posted a team-leading 73 tackles on special teams in that span and recorded a clutch blocked field goal in the final seconds of a 2005 win vs. San Diego that former DB Matt Ware returned for the game-winning TD. "He's become a premier special teams player," said special teams coordinator John Harbaugh. "He's a guy who does all the technical things exactly right."
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Named the Eagles 2005 special teams MVP after leading the team in special teams production points (223) and tackles (28)
Helped win the game vs. SD (10/23/05) for the Eagles by blocking a 40-yd. Nate Kaeding FG attempt with 2:25 remaining in the game. Former CB Matt Ware scooped up the blocked kick and returned it 65 yds. to put the Eagles ahead 20-17
Finished 2004 ranked third on the team in special teams production pts. (162) and special teams tackles (23)
Snagged his first career INT as he out-leaped Giants TE Jeremy Shockey on a fade pattern in the corner of the end zone at NYG (11/28/04). The INT saved a TD and changed the momentum of the game
Forced and recovered a fumble on a kickoff at Cle. (10/24/04)
COLLEGE
Finished his Boise State career ranked second all-time in tackles (401).
As a senior, he earned WAC defensive player of the year honors.
In 2002, the two-time, first-team All-WAC selection made 97 tackles, while posting 4 sacks, 5.5 TFLs, 1 INT, 8 FFs and 2 blocked FGs. His FF total tied an NCAA record set by Dwight Freeney in 2001 and now ranks tied for 2nd all-time.
BIRDSEED
Earned his boating license during the 2005 offseason by taking lessons at Safety First Boating School in New Jersey. "I went on a cruise to the Eastern Caribbean with about 24 family members in the offseason and I got hooked on jet skis and boats. I wanted to do it the right way and learn from a professional, so when I got home I took classes."
Idolized Eagles FS Brian Dawkins while playing high school and college football. "He is reckless on the field," said Mikell. "He plays so hard. I learned a lot from him. I would just sit back and watch him."
Said Dawkins of his protege: "Quintin will deliver a blow when he hits you. That's all heart. He's not the biggest guy, but he brings it. He's confident and he has talent. He's going to be a pretty good safety in this league."
PERSONAL
Resides in Sicklerville, NJ, in the offseason
Caught 77 passes for 1,641 yards and 17 TDs as a senior at Willamette HS. Earned all-league and all-state honors with 7 INTs in 1997. Also lettered in basketball and track
Moved three times growing up. His father, a Sony VP/General Manager, was transferred to new jobs within the organization. Was born in New Orleans, moved to Indiana and then to Eugene, OR
Vacationed in Costa Rica, Belize and Panama during the 2006 offseason
Participated in NFL 101, a workshop for female fans, and taught women the proper technique to use when playing safety
Wants to pursue a coaching career when his playing days are over
A huge fan of "Dragon Ball Z," a Japanese cartoon series that airs on the Cartoon Network. "I made fun of my friend at first for watching it," said Mikell. "Then I sat down and watched it, and got hooked."
Mikell Earned his degree in communications by completing online courses during the 2005 season
