Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio jokes about Fauci

Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio opened his press conference on Thursday, July 30, 2026, with a joke referencing the recent congressional testimony of Dr. Anthony Fauci, drawing laughter from reporters. When asked about the team's plan at the safety position, Fangio quipped that he would emulate the former White House medical adviser.

"I'm gonna be like Fauci and just take the Fifth Amendment on all questions," Fangio said. "Did you guys see that? Oh my god."

The remark referred to Fauci's appearance before the Senate Homeland Security Committee on Wednesday, July 29. During that hearing, which focused on the origins of COVID-19 and the government's pandemic response, Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination more than 100 times, declining to answer questions on the advice of his counsel. Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, a longtime critic, stated the committee would vote next week on whether to hold Fauci in contempt for his refusal to answer.

After his initial joke, Fangio returned to football matters, explaining that safety Marcus Epps was working with the first-team nickel group while Cooper DeJean was with the base group,...