The sun hung high over the NovaCare Complex as the Eagles opened training camp. But the defending champions are definitely acting like Super Bowl LIX did not even happen! With just a few days until the clash against the Cowboys, the roster moves are completely guided by Nick Siranni’s one goal: to win. “And like, that’s in your DNA,” is Siranni’s message to the 53-man overhauled defense-focused roster. In the locker room, even Jalen Hurts, last season’s Super Bowl MVP, carried himself, leaving behind old crowns. Just giving it their all to “sustain the success.” That message was made loudest not by the early draftees but by a seventh-round pick from 2018, a player brought in through the International Pathways Program, reminding every fan watching that nothing is guaranteed.

Jordan Mailata has come a long way since 2018, when he was in his early days, and he didn’t even know how to wear a helmet. Now entering his seventh NFL season, the former rugby player stands tall as an All-Pro left tackle. He earned that honor during the Eagles’ most recent Super Bowl run and win. But Mailata is not interested in basking in the glow of the past. This year, he’s ready to bury the old language and move on. For him, the phrase “defending champions” is one that needs to disappear from the locker room.

“We’re the 2024 world champs, that’s it. We’re not defending s—,” Mailata told reporters Wednesday, via ESPN. His words were forged by past pain. The Eagles definitely remember the sting of Super Bowl LVII in 2023 when the Eagles lost to Kansas City 38-35 on a game-winning score. That heartbreak is proof of one thing: no matter how close you are to the Lombardi, things can change in any instant. That’s why he refuses to take the title for granted.  “We just won the title, and now we’ve got to go win it again,” he said. “That’s the mentality this team is going to have.” Wondering where he picked that up?

Head coach Nick Sirianni shares that mindset. He’s kept his message grounded since Eagles camp opened. “Every time we talk about it, talking about this topic, we’re talking about sustained success,” Sirianni said. “It’s not anything they’ve done in their past, and it’s not them looking forward to the future,” he said. “It’s about being where they are right now.” Siraani is well aware of the consequences of failure.

After reaching the Super Bowl three seasons ago, they crumbled the following year. That collapse nearly cost Sirianni his job. But the team rebounded. They clawed their way back to the top and earned the Lombardi Trophy again. Few franchises experience that kind of high-low-high arc in such a short span. And Mailata is embracing the reset.“Whatever we did last year, it doesn’t matter,” he said.

That mentality is shared by others across the roster. “It’s a new journey. It’s a new season,” quarterback Jalen Hurts added. “The past is behind us, and the future is too far away, so we have to stay present and worry about right now.” But Jalen Hurts is not only saying it, he has shown it firsthand.

Jalen Hurts officially moved on!

Jalen Hurts led the Eagles to a dominant 40-22 victory over the Chiefs in February to win Super Bowl LIX. The win marked his first championship title, one where he passed for 221 yards, threw two touchdowns, while rushing for 72 yards and a score. But even after earning the sport’s highest honor, Hurts is already focused on what’s next. As training camp opened, Hurts shut down any talk with his performance about celebrating the win. “I’ve moved on to the new year. It’s as simple as that,” Hurts told reporters Wednesday.

The team’s championship rings were unveiled last week, created in collaboration with Jason of Beverly Hills, and they are a statement. Still, Hurts made it clear he won’t be wearing it around, even though the ring is filled with symbolism. The rings are studded with 145 diamonds to represent the 145 scores scored in the playoffs- neat, right?

Fans can also spot two Lombardi trophies for the two SB wins during Jeffery Lurie’s tenure. After all, there’s more easter egg hidden in every corner. The ring reads “WORLD CHAMPIONS” in a diamond setting that includes 40 stones—one for each point scored in the Super Bowl win. It is contrasted with 18 emerald green stones, signifying the team’s color. It is a reference to the team’s NFL-record-tying 18 total wins in the regular season and playoffs. Owner Jeffrey Lurie said the ring was created to honor everyone who contributed to the Super Bowl win. “It was designed with the intent of representing everyone who played a role,” Lurie said.

But inside the locker room, the glamour and the diamonds are left in the locker as the grind continues.