Philadelphia Eagles to induct former Xenia, Central State stars into hall of fame

“Trent and Hugh were both high impact pass rushers and consummate teammates,” said Jeffrey Lurie, Philadelphia Eagles Chairman and CEO, in a press release. “When we traded for Hugh, we knew we were getting a player who would immediately make our football team better. He was a tremendous leader on a defense that helped guide us to many deep postseason runs. Upon Hugh’s retirement, we were fortunate to acquire another talented edge rusher through the draft. Trent was a dynamic and durable player who provided us with an advantage on defense thanks to his endless motor, selfless style of play, and passion for the game. It will be an honor to officially enshrine them both in the Eagles Hall of Fame this season.”

Cole, drafted by the Eagles in the fifth round in 2005, ranks second in franchise history with 85½ sacks. Douglass ranks sixth (54½).

Douglas played five seasons with the Eagles (1998-2002 and 2004). Cole’s career began one season after Douglas’ career ended.

Cole, 39, was inducted into the Cincinnati Bearcats Hall of Fame in 2018. As a senior at Xenia in 2000, he recorded 115 tackles and also played fullback, rushing for 1,155 yards and 11 touchdowns.

“Blessed with this tremendous honor by (the Eagles),” Cole wrote on Instagram. “Thank you! Congratulations to (Hugh Douglas), a true honor to be inducted alongside my mentor & friend. Loved giving everything I had on every down for my team, my coaches, my city, my family and the best fans in the NFL.”

According to the Eagles, “Cole’s lifelong passion for the outdoors and hunting has led to many new business ventures in his post-football career. He is the long-time host of Blitz TV, a competitive fisherman, and the co-founder of ProVantage Business & Sports Solutions. Cole and his wife, Paige, have three children, Teigan, Sutton, and TJC III.”

Douglas, 50, was a NAIA Division I All-American at Central State. He graduated from Mansfield Senior High School and enrolled at Central State as a walk-on in 1990. The New York Jets selected him with the 16th overall pick in the 1995 draft.

Douglas now works for The Morning Show with John & Hugh on Atlanta’s 92.9 The Game.

“Words cannot express what I am feeling right now!” Douglas wrote on Twitter. “Thank you so much Eagles Nation!”