Eifert was one of six NFL rookies who filmed commercials for Pandora Jewelry the night before the NFL Draft in April.
Barkevious Mingo, Geno Smith, Sheldon Richardson, Eric Fisher, Luke Joeckel and Eifert invited their moms to what the women thought was going to be an interview. Instead they pulled out personalized Pandora bracelets and thanked their moms for helping get them to the NFL while the cameras rolled.
The videos were cut into commercials that have been airing the last few weeks.
“My agent called and asked if I wanted to do a commercial with a Mother’s Day theme with my mom, and I said yes,” Eifert said. “It was mostly guys who were there for the draft, but we flew out there just for that.
“It was supposed to be a surprise to get her reaction, so there could really only be one take,” he added. “She was pretty surprised.”
Alumni assistance: While not officially on the coaching staff, a number of former Bengals are reaching out to offer assistance to some of the rookies.
Former cornerback Ken Riley, who played quarterback in college, has offered to help with Onterio McCalebb’s transition from running back to cornerback. And Solomon Wilcotts and Eric Thomas have reached out to Cincinnati native Nick Truesdell, a wide receiver who hasn’t played competitive football since 2011.
“They have been mentoring me along the way,” Truesdell said. “They’ve been giving me some insight, and I’ve been to Solomon’s house a couple of times. He’s talked to me one-on-one about everything. It’s been good. He’s a great guy. He and Eric both are really great guys.”
Truesdell starred at Anderson High School, leading the Redskins to a state title in 2007. His college career at the University of Cincinnati lasted eight games before he was dismissed following a couple of brushes with the law.
He enrolled at Grand Rapids Community College in 2011 but suffered a torn ACL and hasn’t played since.
Cobi contract: Sixth-round pick Cobi Hamilton signed a four-year contract Saturday, becoming the team's third draft choice to come to terms. The Bengals officially announced the signings of seventh-rounders Reid Fragel and T.J. Johnson on Friday.
A wide receiver, Hamilton set Arkansas single-season records for catches (90) and receiving yards (1,335) in 2012. He also owns the mark for receptions in a career (175).
Interested eyes: Bengals players Rey Maualuga, Vontaze Burfict, Adam Jones, Leon Hall and Andrew Whitworth spent some time on the field checking out the rookies and offering advice during the morning practice.
Jones was the most hands-on, working with punt returners Giovani Bernard and Troy Stoudemire.
Trotwood-Madison and University of Michigan grad Roy Roundtree was thrilled to chat with fellow Wolverine Leon Hall.
“He told me he wanted to come out and watch me,” Roundtree said. “I actually got to talk to him Thursday night when I got here. He’s my big brother. He’s going to look out for me.”
Quarterbacks Andy Dalton and Josh Johnson came out to watch the first practice Friday.
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