Hook'em Headlines
Fansided

Texas fans erupt as former Longhorns safety puts on a show in first NFL start

Eagles' 2nd-round pick Andrew Mukuba went absolutely gangbusters in his first start against the Chiefs in week 2.
ByMatthew Wilson|
Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety Andrew Mukuba (24) tackles Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Hollywood Brown (5) during the third quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety Andrew Mukuba (24) tackles Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Hollywood Brown (5) during the third quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Former Texas safety-turned potential Philadelphia Eagles star, Andrew Mukuba, earned his first NFL start of the 2025 season on Sunday night. He's been excellent throughout the summer and preseason, and so far, he's been everything that the Eagles wanted him to be.

Mukuba has been incredibly good against the run throughout his first few games in the NFL (both preseason and regular season), being one of the more consistent tacklers in the secondary. Despite being only 186 pounds, he steps up and triggers hard into running lanes for Eagles DC Vic Fangio. According to PFF, Mukuba's run-defense grade of 79.3 is the 10th best mark out of 103 qualifying safeties in 2025.

The craziest part about him being an above-average run defender so far is that most NFL Analysts thought that it would be an area of weakness for him at the professional level. Though most of it was regarding his overall size instead of his ability, it was an incredibly common theme throughout the pre-NFL Draft process.

Here's what NFL Draft Analyst Lance Zierlein had to say regarding his overall NFL outlook:

"Four-year starter who plays the game with the instincts and awareness of a player who has seen a lot of football. Mukuba has the athleticism to play in the slot but is best when he’s able to read the field as a “robber” and use his instincts, burst and ball skills to make plays. He moves efficiently in coverage, but that efficiency can get away from him in run support, where he races in too hot and misses tackles. Mukuba possesses the character, physicality and playmaking instincts that will draw NFL teams to him as a future starter."

He's always been a great coverage safety, and he's making plays left and right in that department as well for the Eagles. Mukuba had a pick-six in the preseason against the Cleveland Browns, and he also had an interception against the Chiefs last night in his first start.

Needless to say, Philadelphia's defense didn't skip a beat in week 2 with Mukuba starting in place of the injured Sydney Brown at free safety.

As always, it's great to see former Texas Longhorns doing well in the NFL, and we'll continue to support our boys through and through.

Home/Texas Football