By Jonah Grinkewitz

Not one, but two Monarchs have ties to the Philadelphia Eagles who will take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX this Sunday. 

Rick Lovato.
Rick Lovato. Photo from Philadelphia Eagles.

, a graduate from ’s Strome College of Business, has been the team’s long snapper since 2016 and already has one Super Bowl ring (2017) and a Pro Bowl nod (2019). This will be his third appearance in the “big game,” a rare feat for any player. 

In the front office, , started as the Eagles’ Director of Player Personnel in 2022 before being promoted to Vice President of Player Personnel in 2024. 

Walls earned his bachelor’s degree in sports management from the Darden College of Education and his master’s in public administration from the Strome College of Business. He also played as an offensive lineman for the Monarchs, served as a student and graduate assistant coach for the team and is a Virginia Beach native. Before joining the Eagles, Walls served in scouting roles for the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns.

Photo of Charles Walls.
Charles Walls. Photo courtesy of Charles Walls.

One diehard Eagles fan (GO BIRDS!) on the News team got the chance to talk with Walls about his journey from Old Dominion to the pros. 

Could you briefly describe your role as VP of player personnel for the Eagles?

Charles Walls: I report directly to Howie Roseman, oversee both pro and college scouting department staff, the college scouting process and have final input on players we sign in free agency and the college draft. Additionally, I’m on our coaching search and evaluation committee whenever we have staff turnover.

How did your time at — both as a player and student — prepare you for your career in the NFL?

Walls: was amazing for me. Being a Division I athlete takes focus and discipline when it comes to time management, organization and understanding sacrifice. As a team, both as a player and coach, we unified under a common goal to win a conference championship and keep a high standard in the classroom. That required a ton of time and dedication to the craft. That carries over now in the NFL with trying to win a Super Bowl.

How does it feel to be back in your second Super Bowl with the Eagles?

Walls: It’s exciting. Getting to one Super Bowl is rare, let alone two in a three-year window. But that’s not the final goal for us. We work hard all year, sacrifice time away from our loved ones, etc. to finish the job.

What are you most proud of in your career?

Walls: It’s really a combination of moments. Micro moments. When I meet someone new, and we have a mutual friend or associate in the industry who’s spoken highly of me as not only an evaluator but as a person. It always makes me extremely thankful when there’s feedback from people I’ve crossed paths with that I’ve been able to impact their life in a positive manner. The industry can be cruel in ways. I choose not to be. It’s a people-first business.

You’re not the only Monarch on the team — do you and Rick Lovato share memories from your days and take any special pride in representing the University on the professional level?

Walls: Beating JMU to win a share of the CAA in Harrisonburg in 2012 was a huge game. Very emotional for all of us. Certainly a core memory.

It’s funny, Rick and I don’t talk about it directly often, but when we have special moments like this one, we share a mutual respect for how far each of us have come on our journeys and we’re both extremely proud to represent .