Eagles’ Josh Sills Thankful in Return: ‘I Am Who I Am’

Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Josh Sills is back to work after being acquitted of rape and kidnapping charges, issues statement and prefers to look ahead.

PHILADELPHIA – Josh Sills was a player the Philadelphia Eagles liked enough to keep on the roster after last summer’ cuts were made, and even though he played in only one game, the undrafted free agent by way of West Virginia and Oklahoma State, the team kept him on the 53-man roster all season.

When it came time to play in the Super Bowl, however, Sills was on the outside looking in after he was placed on the commissioner’s exemption list in the days following the Eagles winning the NFC title when he was charged with rape and kidnapping during his time in college.

Sills was acquitted of those charges last weekend and is back with the team, taking the practice field with his teammates on Tuesday. Afterward, he talked to reporters.

“I’d like to say that I’m very appreciative of my teammates, my coaches, this organization,” he said in a prepared statement before taking questions. “The process that I went through has not been easy. It’s been very daunting for myself. More important, for my family, I’m glad that throughout the process, I was able to clear my name.

“I’m glad that my family was able to move on from this. I’m glad that I’m able to move on from this, and I’m looking forward to the future. So I guess, in short, I’m very appreciative of the process that had taken place to clear my name. I’m also very appreciative of my teammates, my coaches, and this organization.”

Sills didn’t want to get into the specifics of what happened, preferring to look ahead, so when asked how disappointing it was to miss the Super Bowl, he simply said, “It was very tough.”

He added, “I just like people to know that what you see is what you get. There’s no smoke and mirrors. I am who I am. I’m beyond appreciative to be here, and thankful to have a great organization.

“I wouldn’t say it’s changed me. Like I just said, I am who I am, and that’s who I’ll always be. That’s how I was raised. That’s how my parents raised me to be. What you see is what you get, and you are who you are.”

During his legal battles, he wasn’t sure he would be back with the Eagles.

“That’s something that I took day to day,” he said. “More importantly, I had to focus on clearing my name and going through the process that I went through. I’m glad that throughout that process I was able to clear my name, and I’m just thankful that I’m back.”

Coach Nick Sirianni talked about Sills’ return on Sunday night prior to the team’s open practice at Lincoln Financial Field.

“Obviously, we never took the charge lightly, right?” he said. “So, you're completely aware of that and then he goes on the exempt list. We followed all the protocols there as far as just wanted to let the legal process play itself out. I think just at the end of the day, we let the legal process and the league's decision to take him off the exempt list make our decision, right?

“So, my experience with Josh has been nothing but positive. He's been a great teammate and done his job and guys love him on this team. My experience with him has been great. We're happy to have him back.”

Sills said he kept in touch with some teammates as he battled the charges levied against him, and they “welcomed him with open arms” upon his return.

Sills arrives at a time the Eagles are searching for reserves behind the starters along one of the NFL’s best offensive lines, which will likely include second-year man Cam Jurgens at right guard, though Sirianni isn’t ready to commit to that, yet.

Sills can play guard and tackle, but he wasn’t told specifically which position they have in mind for him.

“That’s never really been a thing that someone has told me that you need to focus on this position," he said. "It’s always been that you need to learn as much as possible … That’s what I’m looking forward to doing.”

Sills said he worked out during his time away ad tried to stay in a good mental frame of mind.

“I live on a farm at home, so I stay active when I’m at home," he said. "Maybe not necessarily lifting weights, but square bales and that kind of thing keep me in shape.”

Ed Kracz covers the Philadelphia Eagles for SI's EaglesToday.

Please follow him and our Eagles coverage on Twitter at @kracze.

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