On Monday, reports started to surface that members of the Philadelphia Eagles were practicing to none other than the Grateful Dead at training camp.
Training camp music is generally hip-hop and rap but we’re opening with the Grateful Dead’s Bertha today. Best song that’s ever been played at camp. Hoping for Tennessee Jed, Cumberland Blues and Franklin’s Tower next.
— Reuben Frank (@RoobNBCS) August 5, 2019
After initially speculating that assistant coach Cory Undlin was the Deadhead in attendance, reporters soon learned that safety Malcolm Jenkins was the mastermind behind the Grateful Dead “playlist.” The practice “setlist” featured “Bertha”, “Mama Tried”, “Big Railroad Blues”, “Playing In The Band”, “Drums/Space”—”a long one”—and “Me and My Uncle” (which probably means they were listening to the Dead’s self-titled 1971 live album, best known as Skull and Roses).
Here’s the full Dead playlist at practice:
Bertha
Mama Tried
Big Railroad Blues
Playing in the Band
Drums and Space (a long one)
Me and my UncleAfter that DeSean went over and told the guy to change the music 🤣🤣🤣
— Reuben Frank (@RoobNBCS) August 5, 2019
“I just started getting into [the Grateful Dead] in the last few months,” Jenkins told NBC Sports reporter Reuben Frank. “Trying to expand my musical palette a little bit. I don’t think any of the guys had any idea what it was.”
Newly re-acquired wide receiver DeSean Jackson had some fun with Jenkins’ music selection, but seemed to get bored with the Dead playlist rather quickly. “It was cool for a while, but had to spice it up a little bit, man,” Jackson told Frank. “[Team owner] Mr. [Jeffrey] Lurie came over and said something about one of the songs he used to listen to when he was 17.”
Holy crap, Malcolm Jenkins plays the Dead at practice and next thing you know @lemieuxdavid follows me on Twitter!
So cool!
Long-time listener, David!
I’m available for interviews if you ever need someone to analyze how Keith Godchaux’s piano style changed from 1971 to 1979!
— Reuben Frank (@RoobNBCS) August 5, 2019
With a recent Super Bowl victory still on Philly sports fans’ minds, the Eagles hope to be dancin’ in the streets again come February.
[H/T NBC Sports Philadelphia]