Andrew Mukuba Makes His NFL Preseason Debut: A Glimpse of Potential Despite Mixed Results
Andrew Mukuba, a promising young safety out of Clemson, made his NFL preseason debut for the Philadelphia Eagles with a performance that turned heads — though perhaps not in the headline-grabbing way some fans may have expected. Despite internet rumors and social media buzz suggesting he had a pick-six and a fumble recovery in his first outing, those claims have not been supported by any official game reports or credible sources. However, Mukuba’s real performance still showcased the tools that made him a key draft selection for the Eagles in 2025.
Mukuba played a significant portion of the first half in the Eagles’ preseason matchup, believed to be against the Cleveland Browns. While he gave up a touchdown during one defensive series — a reminder that rookie growing pains are real — he quickly rebounded in a notable way. On the following two-point conversion attempt, Mukuba read the quarterback’s eyes, jumped the route, and came away with an interception. Though the play didn’t count for six points or get recorded as a turnover in the traditional sense, it was a key moment that demonstrated his awareness, closing speed, and ball skills.
The Eagles have high hopes for Mukuba, who entered training camp in competition for a starting safety role alongside Sydney Brown and Tristin McCollum. According to team insiders and local reporters, Mukuba has consistently shown flashes in practice, particularly with his instincts in zone coverage and his willingness to step up in run support. His college tape showed a defender with great range and versatility — able to line up deep, near the box, or even in the slot when needed.
Head coach Nick Sirianni and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio have both noted Mukuba’s intelligence and adaptability as reasons he’s been getting early looks in preseason games. Fangio’s defense relies heavily on communication and discipline in the secondary — two areas where Mukuba has impressed early on. Although he made a few rookie mistakes, such as a mistimed angle on the touchdown play he gave up, his ability to bounce back and make a play on the next drive is exactly what coaches want to see from a young defender.
It’s worth noting that, while the internet may exaggerate a player’s debut, there’s no question that Mukuba’s real performance still made an impression. An interception, even on a conversion attempt, shows the kind of game-changing potential the Eagles hope he can bring more consistently as he develops. The fumble recovery and pick-six being circulated online are likely a combination of misremembered plays or fan-made hype, not official game events.
As the preseason continues, Mukuba will have more opportunities to earn reps and build on his debut. Whether he starts in Week 1 or not, the Eagles appear to have found a player with serious upside. If he can clean up his coverage consistency and continue to make plays on the ball, it won’t be long before Mukuba becomes a regular name in Philadelphia’s defensive rotation — for real.