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The Most Memorable Hollis Thomas Highlight

Hollis Thomas played in parts of nine seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1996-2005. The former run-stuffing defensive tackle has stayed in touch with the fan base through his involvement…

Hollis Thomas, Former Philadelphia Eagles Defensive Tackle
Photo by NFL Photos/Getty Images

Hollis Thomas played in parts of nine seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1996-2005. The former run-stuffing defensive tackle has stayed in touch with the fan base through his involvement with Philly Sports Trips.

When 97.5 The Fanatic hosts the pregame show at Live Casino before the Eagles home opener, Andrew Salciunas, Bob Cooney, and Pat Egan will also have a special guest on site. Just hope that whole bit about a wrestling match between Hollis and Pat doesn’t actually materialize.

Hollis Thomas Hammers Michael Vick

The 6-foot-0, 300-pounder became an important part of a feared Eagles defense under Andy Reid and Jim Johnson. The team advanced to four NFC Championship Games during his tenure, but injuries kept him out of the first three.

The Eagles advanced to face the Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field after the 2004 season. “Tank” made his presence known.

The Eagles entered as favorites, but the injury to Terrell Owens had created some adversity for a team that otherwise steamrolled through the 2004 season.

A 7-0 lead in the first quarter ignited a crowd that felt like they were finally getting over the hump after three consecutive devastating losses in the conference championship round.

The Philadelphia defense faced one obstacle before advancing to the Super Bowl: stopping Michael Vick. The feared dual-threat led a long 17-play drive down the field in the second quarter that resulted in a third-and-goal. It was a key swing play in the game, and the Eagles needed their defensive front to make a stand.

What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object?

Tank stuffed Michael Vick with the type of hit that can ignite the home crowd at the Linc. The Falcons settled for three. The Eagles ultimately punished Vick all day long on the way to a 27-10 victory that went down as the true highlight of the Andy Reid era. 

97.5 The Fanatic At Eagles Home Opener

Stop by Live Casino to see Andrew, Bob, and Pat break down the Eagles before the matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. EROCK will be the live DJ for the Philly Sports Trips tailgate, and their special guest isn’t the type to sit around in a dull atmosphere.

“Hollis, I would say, really does enjoy the party too, very much at Philly Sports Trips. He’s not there sitting in an ivory tower. He enjoys getting to hang with the people and party a little bit. So, get ready for it.” -John Kincade

Watch The John Kincade Show live on the 97.5 The Fanatic YouTube page on weekday mornings from 6am-10am.


The Philadelphia Eagles could potentially insert three Week 2 starters who didn't start in Week 1. They will play their home opener for the 2023 NFL season at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings.

The defending NFC champs defeated the New England Patriots 25-20 in Foxborough in Week 1.

Philadelphia Eagles Defeat New England Patriots

Despite an underwhelming performance, especially on offense, the Eagles snuck away with a victory. Jalen Hurts threw for only 170 yards. He also fumbled at a key moment in the game during the fourth quarter. The turnover gave the Patriots life when the visitors should've won the game easily.

Nick Sirianni showed no signs of panic during his postgame press conference after defeating Bill Belichick and the Patriots. He improved his record to 3-0 in season openers as a head coach.

Dallas Goedert and newcomer D'Andre Swift figure to be a bigger part of the offense in Week 2. Neither player made a significant impact in the season-opening victory.

Philadelphia Eagles Projected Week 2 Starters

The Eagles could potentially use three new starters in Week 2. While many people expected Swift as the primary running back, Kenny Gainwell got the start. He shouldered a heavy workload, going against the expectations of the "running back by committee" approach. 

The status of Nakobe Dean is in question. If he can't go, the Eagles will likely move Christian Elliss into the starting lineup. He is the only other linebacker on the active roster. Nicholas Morrow might be a candidate to elevate from the practice squad.

There were questions heading into Week 1 about the safety position. While the overwhelming majority expected Reed Blankenship to start, the second spot was between Justin Evans and Terrell Edmunds. Evans started and played almost the entire game, with minimal snaps for Edmunds.

Injury news will trickle out as the week moves along. The quick turnaround forces Nick Sirianni to decide his Week 2 starters quickly.

Jalen Hurts

Jalen HurtsPhoto by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Quarterback, #1
Oklahoma University/University of Alabama
4th NFL Season- Drafted in 2nd Round (53rd overall) in 2020

D'Andre Swift

D'Andre Swift of the Philadelphia EaglesPhoto by Rob Carr/Getty Images

Running Back, #0
University of Georgia
4th NFL season- Acquired in a trade from Detroit Lions (April 2023)

A.J. Brown

A.J. BrownPhoto by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

Wide Receiver, #11
Ole Miss
5th NFL season- Acquired in a trade from Tennessee Titans (April 2022)

DeVonta Smith

DeVonta SmithPhoto by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

Wide Receiver, #6
University of Alabama
3rd NFL Season- Drafted in 1st Round (10th overall) in 2021

Quez Watkins

Quez WatkinsPhoto by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

Wide Receiver, #16
Southern Miss
4th NFL Season- Drafted in 6th Round (200th overall) in 2020

Dallas Goedert

Dallas GoedertPhoto by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Tight End, #88
South Dakota State
6th NFL Season- Drafted in 2nd Round (48th overall) in 2018

Jordan Mailata

Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Left Tackle, #68
Jeff Stoutland University
6th NFL Season- Drafted in 7th Round (233rd overall) in 2018

Landon Dickerson

Landon Dickerson of the Philadelphia EaglesPhoto by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Left Guard, #69
University of Alabama
3rd NFL Season- Drafted in 2nd Round (37th overall) in 2021

Jason Kelce

Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia EaglesPhoto by Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Images

Center, #62
University of Cincinnati
13th NFL Season- Drafted in 6th Round (191st overall) in 2011

Cam Jurgens

Cam JurgensPhoto by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

Right Guard, #51
University of Nebraska
2nd NFL Season- Drafted in 2nd Round (51st overall) in 2022

Lane Johnson

Lane Johnson of the Philadelphia EaglesPhoto by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

Right Tackle, #65
Oklahoma University
11th NFL Season- Drafted in 1st Round (4th overall) in 2013

Brandon Graham

Brandon Graham forcing a fumble with a hit on Tom Brady in Super Bowl LIIPhoto by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Defensive End, #55
University of Michigan
14th NFL Season- Drafted in 1st Round (13th overall) in 2010

Fletcher Cox

Fletcher Cox of the Philadelphia EaglesPhoto by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Defensive Tackle, #91
Mississippi State
12th NFL Season- Drafted in 1st Round (12th overall) in 2012

Jordan Davis

Jordan Davis of the Philadelphia EaglesPhoto by Norm Hall/Getty Images

Defensive Tackle, #90
University of Georgia
2nd NFL Season- Drafted in 1st Round (13th overall) in 2022

Josh Sweat

Josh Sweat of the Philadelphia EaglesPhoto by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Defensive End, #94
Florida State
6th NFL Season- Drafted in 4th Round (130th overall) in 2018

Haason Reddick

Haason ReddickPhoto by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

Edge Rusher/Linebacker, #7
Temple University
7th NFL Season- Signed in Free Agency (March 2022)

Zach Cunningham

Zach Cunningham of the Philadelphia EaglesPhoto by Rob Carr/Getty Images

Linebacker, #52
Vanderbilt University
7th NFL Season- Signed in Free Agency (August 2023)

Christian Elliss

Christian Elliss of the Philadelphia EaglesPhoto by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

Linebacker, #53
University of Idaho
2nd NFL Season- Signed in Free Agency (September 2021)

Darius Slay

Darius Slay of the Philadelphia EaglesPhoto by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Cornerback, #2
Mississippi State University
11th NFL Season- Acquired in trade from Detroit Lions (March 2020)

Josh Jobe

Josh Jobe of the Philadelphia EaglesPhoto by Rob Carr/Getty Images

Cornerback, #28
University of Alabama
2nd NFL Season- Signed as Undrafted Free Agent (May 2022)

Justin Evans

Justin Evans of the Philadelphia EaglesPhoto by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Safety, #30
Mississippi Gulf Coast
4th NFL Season- Signed in Free Agency (March 2023)

Terrell Edmunds

Terrell Edmunds of the Philadelphia EaglesPhoto by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

Safety, #26
Virginia Tech
6th NFL Season- Signed in Free Agency (March 2023)

Colin Newby is a contributor for 97.5 The Fanatic who transitions Beasley Media's radio content onto digital platforms. His work includes on-site coverage of the Philadelphia Flyers and Philadelphia Phillies.