Ex Jaguars LB Myles Jack contemplated a career switch before joining the Eagles

Linebacker Myles Jack was a mainstay of the Jacksonville Jaguars' defense and one of their most recognizable players in the late 2010s. However, a new regime took over and he was no longer part of the team's plans, which led to his release. Jack is still around though and he's just signed with the Philadelphia Eagles after spending the 2022 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. If Philly hadn't swooped in, it's possible that the veteran linebacker would be doing something entirely different.

Jack said not long after joining the Eagles that he was thinking about attending trade school to become an electrician or a plumber had he remained unsigned, Here's what the former UCLA Bruin told Zach Berman of The Athletic:

"I couldn't sit at home. I've been blessed to make a lot of money. I could retire and sit at the house. ... I want to be innovative. If a Zombie apocalypse came, I want to be able to build something."

Jack goes on that time and waits for nobody and he's right. Even though he's just 27, he's no longer the player he was early in his NFL career. Last season, he played 15 games with 13 starts for the Steelers but didn't make nearly enough big plays. Also, he struggled when he dropped in coverage, so it wasn't particularly shocking to see Pittsburgh move on from him earlier this year.

Back in college, Jack hurt his meniscus. At the time, the injury was called a time bomb. Still, the Jaguars took a chance on him in the second round of the 20216 NFL Draft. He ended up appearing in 88 games with 82 starts and register 513 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He was an integral piece of the 2017 team that faced off against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship.

Jack took center stage in that game when he scooped a fumble and had a chance to return it to the end zone. Had he scored, he would have given Jacksonville a 27-10 lead over the Patriots. However, he was ruled down and they ended up losing.

Jaguars fans should always be rooting for Myles Jack

Jack's last year in Jacksonville wasn't very different from his lone season with the Steelers. Although he was dependable, he wasn't that much of a game-changer. Set to count $13.1 million against the cap last year, releasing him freed up $8.3 million in space with $4.8 million in dead money.

It certainly stung to see Jack leave after his contributions to the team. But the Jaguars' brass knew they needed to revamp their linebacker corps. In the end, it looks like they made the right decision from a business standpoint, as Foyesade Oluokun (Jack's 'replacement') has become a leader on and off the field.

On the other hand, Jack was an important piece of the Jags at a time when they didn't have many playmakers. He was one of the few household names in Jacksonville that showed up despite the fact that they weren't a good team. Now in Philadelphia, the veteran linebacker doesn't have to play at a Pro Bowl level and will instead take on a reserve role behind sophomore Nakobe Dean.

Jack always gave his best in Jacksonville and that will never be forgotten. Whether he dons the Black and Teal or a Kelly Green jersey (when the Eagles use their alternates), he's someone that's easy to root for everywhere he goes.

Here are other recent Jaguars stories you might also like: