Isaiah Rodgers: From NFL Exile to Super Bowl Contender

A year ago, Isaiah Rodgers’ NFL career was in doubt. Suspended for violating the league’s gambling policy and released by the Indianapolis Colts, he found himself on the outside looking in. But now, after a long road back, Rodgers isn’t just proving he belongs—he’s making a major impact on a Philadelphia Eagles team bound for the Super Bowl.

“I made a mistake, and I did my time,” Rodgers told NBC Sports Philadelphia. “Just being back around a great team and a great culture of guys, finally getting that locker room environment back into my heart—it feels good.”

Rodgers was suspended by the NFL on June 29, 2023, after being caught placing bets at the Colts’ team facility, including wagers involving his own team. Though he maintains the bets were placed for friends and family in Florida, where online sports betting was illegal at the time, the league’s stance was clear. The Colts wasted no time cutting ties, and Rodgers’ future in football looked bleak.

Then, the Eagles took a chance on him, signing him to a one-year, $1.01 million contract and giving him a shot at redemption.

Rodgers didn’t let the suspension define him. He maintained an NFL-level workout routine during his year away, following the league’s weekly schedule to stay sharp. When the NFL reinstated him on April 23, 2024, he was ready. And it showed.

Rodgers carved out a crucial role in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s system, logging 413 defensive snaps and stepping up when needed. His performance didn’t go unnoticed—out of 118 cornerbacks rated by Pro Football Focus, Rodgers ranked No. 29, making Philadelphia’s secondary one of the best in the league alongside rookies Cooper DeJean (No. 3), Quinyon Mitchell (No. 8), and veteran Darius Slay (No. 24).

“I can do whatever the team needs me to do,” Rodgers said. “I can play defensive end and come off the edge if they need me. Whatever coach asks, I’ll lock into my playbook and study it.”

Rodgers is set to become a free agent in March, but after proving his worth this season, he’s made it clear where he wants to be.

“I had this talk with my agent. [Staying is] my goal,” Rodgers said. “I want to do whatever I can do to be here. It’s going to take two sides, and I understand how the business side works. My eyes aren’t swaying anywhere else. I want to be here. I want my family to remain here. We built a family-oriented relationship. I love my teammates here, I love the city, I love the fans.

“I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

A year ago, Rodgers was out of football. Now, he's a key piece of a Super Bowl-bound Eagles defense, proving that second chances—when earned—can lead to something even greater.