There might not be a player that loves and represents NC State more than former defensive back, and current Philadelphia Eagle, Earl Wolff. He ranks 5th all-time in career tackles at NC State with 400, and his 8 career caused fumbles rank 3rd. After earning 1st Team All-ACC honors in 2012, Wolff was drafted in the 5th round with the 136th overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles. But even though he’s moved to another city in a different state, Wolff hasn’t stopped repping NC State.
“I get in debates almost every day because I rep NC State to the fullest. I play with guys that went to Texas, and guys that played in the SEC, and they think their universities are so much better,” said Wolff. “Then I start comparing guys in the NFL that went to our school, which always surprises them. Every time I name drop, people get quiet.”
Wolff came out of Hoke County High School as a 3-star Athlete, and he rushed for 997 yards and 9 touchdowns as a Senior there. He also had 89 tackles with 12 of those being for a loss. Despite his success on both sides of the ball, he saw himself as more of an offensive player. Going to NC State and learning to play defense changed the trajectory of the rest of his life.
“I think playing football at NC State prepared me well. While I was there I kind of played Free and Strong Safety, which is what I play here. You have to have a lot of versatility to play Safety for our team. NC State moved me around and kind of let me roam, and that’s helped me a lot,” said Wolff. “I love everything about the Wolfpack. I always will. I have over 400 career tackles there. I played every single game…every single play with all of my heart and soul. When I came to NC State I didn’t know too much about defense, because I was mainly an offensive kind of guy in high school. The NC State coaches taught me to be a great defender. Mentally and physically they got me ready to play in the NFL. My rookie year I came out and started 7 games playing at a really high level.”
Wolff was born and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and is used to a slower pace. He loves going into Philly, but he bought a home in a different spot to find something quiet and something closer to home.
“The city of Philadelphia is love. The fans are kind of hard on you, but it’s only because they want the best out of you. My mom was born and raised in Philly, so I used to come up here every year as a kid,” said Wolff. “It’s different, especially coming from North Carolina where I’m from. I come from a rural area, and Philly is a big city. I actually live over the bridge in Medford, New Jersey, because I still like that North Carolina feel, and I feel like New Jersey still gives me that.”
Earl’s rookie season went well, playing in 11 games, starting in 7 of them. He had 45 tackles and 5 pass deflections in his rookie campaign. Last year he only saw action in 7 games, because he was dealing with a nagging knee injury from his rookie season.
“I’ve gone through a lot of ups and downs. Especially with my knee. I had surgery on my knee that has been giving me problems since my rookie year. It hasn’t been what I expected, but I know it’s going to get better. I feel like you have to hit rock bottom, until you can get back up to the top,” said Wolff. “I know that God has my back, and I’m going to stay positive, and I’ll definitely be good for this season. I feel like I showed a glimpse of what I can do during my rookie year when I was healthy. With everything I’ve learned over the past couple of years, I feel like the sky is the limit for me right now. I think I will be healthy and ready to come into camp on August 1st and compete for a starting job.”
Wolff doesn’t just rep the Wolfpack on social media and with his teammates. He also tries to keep the gang together.
“During the offseason a lot of us get together…Terrell Manning, C.J. Wilson, Dontae Johnson, David Amerson, Tobais Palmer, and I. We all try to talk weekly and keep up with each other. We try to get together a lot,” said Wolff. “We’ve probably gotten together at least 5 times this offseason. We’ve been to Florida and New York together. I’m usually the one that sets everything up. I tell all of them the plans, and they usually just follow me.”
Adversity and injury can be one of the most difficult things for a player to deal with, and Wolff’s faith has been key in his perseverance.
“If it wasn’t for God, I don’t know where I’d be. I’ve been through a lot in my life, and he’s always helped me get through it. Mario Carter, C.J. Wilson, Tobais Palmer, Dontae Johnson and I did a Bible Study together every Monday all throughout the season for two years,” said Wolff. “I definitely felt that was what kept us together, kept our faith strong, and kept us positive. I pray each and every day. I know that God has brought me this far, and even though I’ve been through a lot of adversity in the NFL, I know he’ll never leave me. You can’t pray and worry. There is no faith when you pray and worry.”
Join me in praying for a full recovery and a full season for Earl.
And if there is a question about who represents the Wolfpack the best in the NFL, how can you argue with a man with the last name Wolff.
