Former Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back J.T. Gray has been released by the Philadelphia Eagles as the team has begun trimming its roster ahead of the final cuts to 53 players.

The Clarksdale native and former Bulldog signed a one-year deal with Philadelphia in March after a journeyman 2025 season that included stops with the Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Gray had been competing for a reserve safety role and a core special teams spot, areas where the nine-year veteran has long excelled.

For Mississippi State fans, Gray’s story remains one of perseverance and pride. Undrafted out of Starkville in 2018, the 6-foot, 202-pound defensive back carved out a lengthy NFL career built on special teams excellence.

He spent his first seven seasons with the New Orleans Saints, earning first-team All-Pro honors in 2021, second-team All-Pro recognition in 2019 and 2024, and a Pro Bowl nod after the 2021 campaign. He appeared in more than 100 career games and established himself as one of the league’s most reliable coverage players.

At Mississippi State from 2014 to 2017, Gray was a versatile contributor who played both linebacker and safety. He finished his college career with 211 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, eight pass breakups, and one interception returned for a touchdown.

He ranked among the team leaders in tackles in multiple seasons and earned recognition for his work ethic and physicality in the weight room—traits that translated to the professional level.

Gray’s release creates opportunities for younger Eagles defensive backs but does little to diminish what he has already achieved. As a product of the Mississippi Delta and the Mississippi State program, he has consistently represented the Bulldogs well on the biggest stage.

His ability to stick in the league for nearly a decade after going undrafted stands as a testament to the toughness and competitiveness that define successful players from Starkville.

While the Eagles move on, Gray remains a free agent with a proven track record as a special teams standout.

Bulldog supporters will be watching closely for his next opportunity, confident that the former Maroon and White standout still has football left to play.

Hail State to one of its own as he continues his professional journey.