In the hustle and bustle of an NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles are witnessing the blossoming relationship between veteran cornerback Avonte Maddox and rookie Quinyon Mitchell. This unique mentor-mentee relationship extends beyond the gridiron, with Maddox guiding Mitchell through some unexpected life experiences alongside the intricacies of professional football.
A Helping Hand When Needed
Mitchell recently found himself in a bind when his car ran out of gas while crossing the Walt Whitman Bridge. The first call he made was to Maddox, demonstrating their rapidly built trust. "His car ran out of gas going across the bridge," recalls Maddox. "He called me. I stopped to pick him up. So it doesn’t matter. Whenever he needs me."
This simple act underlines the lengths Maddox is willing to go to support Mitchell. The mentorship he’s offering goes far beyond sharing football wisdom; it’s about being a supportive figure in every aspect of Mitchell’s new life as a professional athlete.
On the Field Mentorship
On the field, Maddox has taken it upon himself to guide Mitchell through the labyrinthine nature of NFL playbooks and strategies. The veteran is sharing his extensive knowledge of playing the slot cornerback position, a role demanding both physical prowess and mental acuity.
"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," explains Mitchell.
This guidance is more than instruction; it’s a deep dive into understanding the game at an intellectual level. "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," says Maddox. His words reveal a mentor who appreciates and nurtures curiosity and dedication.
Embracing Versatility
Maddox’s journey this season has seen him stepping up in ways that underscore his value to the team. With star safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson sidelined due to a shoulder injury, Maddox has taken on first-team reps at the safety position. The challenge of switching roles is one Maddox embraces, seeing it as an opportunity for growth.
"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 differently. But it’s making sure I get the fundamentals and the footwork down," Maddox elaborates. His adaptability is a testament to his professional approach and his willingness to do whatever it takes for the team's success.
Understanding the broader defensive scheme is crucial in his transition. "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," says Maddox, highlighting his comprehensive understanding of the defensive setup.
Building for the Future
For Maddox, this season is also about ensuring the Eagles have a robust future. Through his mentorship, he aims to make Mitchell and other young players the best versions of themselves. "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 states.
Competition fuels growth, and Maddox is ensuring it remains constructive. "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," he emphasizes.
The bond between Maddox and Mitchell is more than a mentor-mentee relationship; it's a collaborative effort that benefits the entire Eagles squad. Their dynamic showcases the importance of veteran leadership in nurturing young talent, ensuring the team’s continuing strength. And with Maddox’s guidance, Mitchell is poised not just to learn but to thrive, carrying forward the lessons he’s acquiring now long into his career.