As the NFL season unfolds, the Philadelphia Eagles have been witnessing a unique and powerful mentorship blossoming within their ranks. Veteran Avonte Maddox has taken rookie Quinyon Mitchell under his wing, guiding him both on and off the field.
Building Bonds Beyond the Field
The relationship between Maddox and Mitchell began to solidify with a gesture that went beyond the gridiron. One night, Mitchell found himself stranded, out of gas on the Walt Whitman Bridge. In need, he reached out to Maddox, who promptly came to his aid, offering not just a gallon of gas but also a bond of trust and reliability. "His car ran out of gas going across the bridge. He called me. I stopped to pick him up. So it doesn't matter. Whenever he needs me," Maddox recalled.
A Mentor in the Slot and Safety
Maddox, who is known for his extensive knowledge of the slot cornerback position, has temporarily switched roles to play safety. This shift comes due to C.J. Gardner-Johnson's shoulder injury, thrusting Maddox into first-team reps at safety. Despite the change, Maddox views this opportunity as invaluable. "It's been getting better every day. I've been working a lot at the safety spot. It's been valuable for me because I need the reps, seeing it a little bit different. But it's making sure I get the fundamentals and the footwork down," said Maddox.
His adaptability isn't just limited to picking up new positions; it's also about sharing his wealth of knowledge. Maddox regularly answers Mitchell's questions, offering insights into both the mental and physical aspects of the game. "He's definitely doing a great job. He's smart. He knows football. I just give him the concepts of what I'm looking at, seeing here and there, how they're lining up, what would I do in this situation or that situation," Mitchell noted.
Competition and Collaboration
The dynamic between Maddox and Mitchell is a mix of friendly competition and sincere mentorship. Maddox, who had to fight for his spot coming into camp, embodies resilience and determination—qualities he hopes Mitchell will also develop. "Me and him can compete at it, but at the end of the day, if he has a question, I would never turn my back. I would never not tell him the right answer. Any time he needs extra work, any time he would need to know an answer to anything, I would help him," Maddox stated.
Mitchell’s eagerness to learn is another encouraging sign for Maddox. "He asks (questions) every day. That's encouraging to see because when you got questions, that means you care, you want to learn, you want to be out there," he remarked. This constant dialogue not only helps Mitchell grow but also strengthens the unit as a whole.
A Valued Asset in the Secondary
One aspect of Maddox's career that has gained recognition is his versatility and depth. The Eagles value his ability to switch positions seamlessly, knowing all team calls and understanding where every teammate is supposed to be. "I know all the calls. I know where I'm supposed to be at the moment, and I know where all my teammates are supposed to be," Maddox explained. This level of comprehension and flexibility makes him an indispensable asset in the secondary.
The mentorship Maddox offers Mitchell is not just about the present but also the future. "It's never a battle between us in that way. On the field, it's all about competition and me helping him get better because at some point, I'll be done with football, and he'll still be going, and I want him to be the best he can be," Maddox affirmed. Such an approach ensures that when Maddox steps away from the game, he's left behind a legacy of knowledge, resilience, and camaraderie.
The relationship between Maddox and Mitchell isn't just beneficial for the two players; it's a boon for the entire Eagles organization. It represents a culture where experienced players actively participate in the development of newcomers, creating a robust and supportive team environment. As Mitchell continues to grow under Maddox's guidance, the Eagles' secondary looks to be in capable hands, both now and in the future.