Friday, March 29, 2024

McCoy joins list of Spartans to sign with NFL team

April 25, 2002

The list of MSU football players that will be attending NFL training camps has grown to nine.

Former tight end/defensive end Ivory McCoy said he will sign a free-agent contract today with the Philadelphia Eagles. The three-year deal includes a small signing-bonus.

“I’m excited,” McCoy said. “For one, being employed and also having an opportunity to show why I think I shouldn’t have been passed up.”

The Eagles contacted McCoy in the seventh round of the NFL Draft Sunday, after all their picks had been used. After receiving offers from the Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Redskins and conferring with his agent, McCoy made his decision.

“(Eagles quarterback coach Pat) Shurmur gave me a call on my home phone,” McCoy said. “He asked me if I wanted to be a Philadelphia Eagle, and I graciously accepted.”

McCoy said he was interested in playing defense at the next level, but having a chance to make an NFL roster was most important. McCoy will see time at defensive end and outside linebacker.

“It is a happy feeling to know someone wants your services,” McCoy said. “The biggest thing was to continue playing.”

Former quarterback Ryan Van Dyke, who signed a free-agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks after the draft Sunday, said he’s happy McCoy will get an opportunity in the NFL.

Van Dyke said he also looks forward to making the most of his situation.

“I’m excited just to have an opportunity to get my shot at the NFL,” Van Dyke said. “I have to work really hard and show the coaches the chance they took on me as a free agent wasn’t a mistake.”

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