This week, we’re sharing an episode of a new KYW Original Podcast, unCovering the Birds with Jeff McLane, a podcast sharing untold stories and perspectives about the Eagles. It’s co-produced by the Philadelphia Inquirer and our own Brian Seltzer. Follow unCovering the Birds wherever you get podcasts to hear more every week!

Getting drafted in the first round is the dream scenario for just about any aspiring football player. But for former Philadelphia Eagle Marcus Smith, it was a total nightmare, full of hellish professional and personal consequences. With the 2023 NFL draft season in full swing, Philadelphia Inquirer Eagles beat reporter Jeff McLane explores Smith’s story, and how being a first-round pick, combined with having deep-seated personal issues, pushed him closer to a life-threatening crossroads. 

Please be advised this episode discusses mental health struggles and suicide. If you need help, call the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or visit its website: https://988lifeline.org/