New Eagles linebacker Corey Nelson never thought he’d be in the National Football League.

A serious pec injury suffered during an October game in his senior season at the University of Oklahoma had him entertaining thoughts of getting a job in a world without having to make tackles anymore.

“I didn’t even have an agent when we went to the Sugar Bowl in 2014,” said Nelson during his introductory press conference on Thursday. “It was pivotal. I remember I was supposed to have an agent in like a week, but I didn’t have one. I was focused on regular job, broadcast media. I was very serious about turning away football, but God had other plans for me and here I am.”

Here is the 25-year-old Nelson now a member of the Philadelphia Eagles after signing a one-year deal worth $2.25 million when free agency opened on Wednesday.

“I’m excited, I’m ready to get to work and I’m ready to grind,” said Nelson.

Nelson, who said he weighs about 235 pounds, was limited to just five games in his final season with the Denver Broncos last year after he tore a biceps muscle. He said he is about 90 percent back to full health, but expects to be at 100 percent when the Eagles convene for phase one of their offseason workout program on April 16.

Before getting hurt last year, Nelson had played all 16 games since being drafted by the Broncos in the sixth round.

His role in Denver was primarily on special teams. It was the chance to shed that label and become a contributing member of a defense that attracted him to the Eagles even though the Broncos offered to match the money the Eagles gave him.

“The Broncos are a great organization,” he said. “Nothing against them whatsoever, I just wanted to break the mold of me being a second-string linebacker. I didn’t want to have that title. I kind of wanted to go out on a limb and show people I can be a starter in this league. The Eagles gave me the opportunity to compete and try to earn that right.

“It was definitely important for me. I know a lot of guys get labeled certain things, like practice squad guys get labeled practice squad guys. I have to be able to showcase my talent and show I’m better than what they think you are and be able to handle it.”

Nelson knows Eagles linebacker Jordan Hicks well and did his research on the Eagles defense that plays a 4-3 rather than Denver’s 3-4 before deciding to come to Philly.

“I love watching Nigel Bradham ball out,” he said. “I knew they were the real deal. They run to the ball, they all hustle, and everyone gets excited when someone makes a play. I love that.”

Now he will get the opportunity to try to get the Eagles to fall in love with him to the point where he can become a key contributor on defense and not just a special teams standout.