Darius Slay is the elder statesman in the Philadelphia Eagles’ secondary.
At age 32, Slay has emerged as one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks. A true shutdown corner that can tackle and cover in man or zone, Slay is a superstar in his own right. Despite his status as one of the league’s best players, the Eagles’ cornerback hasn’t been shy about teaching and rooting for some of the younger players on the roster.
After Tuesday’s joint practice versus the Cleveland Browns, Slay talked to reporters about how proud he was of Josh Jobe for notching an interception.
“Oh, my goodness,” Slay said. “First of all, Jobe’s probably the worst catcher in the DB room. But I am so happy my boy caught the ball. I felt like I caught it for him. I felt like I took my hands and put them on his hands and caught it. He cannot catch, and today he caught it. I’m like a proud dad right now, I ain’t going to lie. I was so happy for him, man.”
Slay Embracing Leadership Role in Philly
Slay has embraced his role as the veteran in the Eagles’ secondary, teaching and rooting for his younger teammates in the DB room.
As an undrafted rookie from Alabama, Jobe found a home in Philadelphia last season. In 11 regular-season games, he was on the field for 12 defensive snaps and 220 special-teams plays. In 2023, he’s expected to climb the depth chart and become part of the Eagles’ rotation of defensive backs.
“That’s how young guys get great, become great at a younger age,” Slay said, “because they got great vets that’s willing to teach guys. A lot of vets in this league probably don’t want a young guy to take their spot. I’m looking forward to a young guy taking my spot because that’s what it’s all about – giving off your knowledge of the game – because one day I’m going to hang it up and want these guys to be prepared to be in this position I’m in, so I’m looking forward to a Josh Jobe or anyone of them young guys taking my spot.”
Of course, Slay wasn’t the only Eagles’ player that was excited for his teammate.
Slay Loves What He Sees From Reed Blankenship
Jobe isn’t the only player receiving tutelage from Slay in the DB room.
In particular, he’s witnessed the growth in former undrafted safety Reed Blankenship.
In his first NFL season, Blankenship started four games at safety due to an injury to Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. As a rookie, he played 291 defensive snaps in 2022.
This year, Blankenship has emerged as the team’s best safety in training camp and has stolen the crown for having the most interceptions during that span.
“It’s carrying over to this year, man, him being one of our top guys in the secondary. Been doing a great job communicating, leading the way, and right now, he got the most picks during camp, and I’m kind of jealous because I’m trying to win,” Slay said. “Happy for him, though.”
