They grew up together. They worked out together. They never played on the same team together.

Until they got to the NFL.

Bishop Kearney grad Quentin Gause and Gates-Chili grad Bruce Johnson each signed free agent contracts with the Eagles after the NFL Draft concluded Saturday night.

“I’m ecstatic about that,” Johnson said. “The fact that we got two Rochester guys on the same team. I played against him in high school. Trained together since we were little kids. Now, we’re playing together at the ultimate level. It’s definitely a blessing.”

“That’s crazy,” Gause said. “Bruce is an awesome dude. I’m glad he signed with them. We can go in together and go dominate.”

Gause fielded calls from several teams as the draft concluded, especially the Colts and Ravens. He elected to sign in Philly because of the opportunity at linebacker.

Johnson credited his relationship with the Eagles staff for his decision to play there.

The Eagles were one of the most aggressive teams pursuing priority free agents. They only had one draft pick between quarterback Carson Wentz at number two overall and pick 153.

“It’s real now,” Gause said. “You really have to sit back and say, ‘wow, I’m really a part of the National Football League’. The dream as a little kid has come true.”

Johnson said tears were shed at the draft party in his home in Chili. Gause credited the entire “community” that supported him for helping him reach the NFL.

Both understand that signing a contract isn’t the end of the journey. It’s the beginning.

“It’s very satisfying,” Johnson said. “But, whether you’re a draft pick or a priority free agent, it doesn’t mean anything until you step onto that field and prove your worth.”

“You can’t be complacent,” Gause said. “This is where the real work starts.”

The real work actually starts in just over a week at the Eagles rookie mini camp, which starts May 9th. Both players will report to Philly for the first time then.

Saturday night was about enjoying, and even reveling in, all they’ve accomplished so far.

“This moment is a phenomenal moment. A phenomenal opportunity,” Gause said. “It’s amazing. The whole process can be draining at some points, but now I’m on a team and I’m ready to work.”

“It’s a blessing for me,” Johnson said. “This is where I feel I was destined to be.”