Maddox Takes Rookie Mitchell Under His Wing in Challenging Season
The Philadelphia Eagles find themselves navigating a season riddled with challenges and changes. Amid the chaos, veteran cornerback Avonte Maddox has stepped up not only in his on-field role but also as a mentor to rookie Quinyon Mitchell. This mentorship became more than just football when Mitchell’s car ran out of gas on the Walt Whitman Bridge. Maddox was one of the first people Mitchell called, illustrating the deep level of trust and camaraderie they have developed.
"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 shared. This incident serves as a snapshot of Maddox’s willingness to go above and beyond for his younger teammate, setting a tone of unity and support within the team.
Mentorship on and off the Field
On the football field, Maddox has been offering invaluable advice to Mitchell, particularly in the slot cornerback position. With a shoulder injury sidelining C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Maddox temporarily switched to safety, where he is gaining first-team reps. This versatility not only showcases Maddox's adaptability but also represents an opportunity for him to broaden his football IQ, which he eagerly shares with Mitchell.
"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 said, reflecting on the constructive feedback he receives from Maddox.
Maddox’s approach to mentoring Mitchell is rooted in a spirit of cooperation rather than competition. "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 emphasized. It is clear that Maddox sees Mitchell’s success as intertwined with his own contributions, fostering a healthy environment of growth and learning.
Adapting to a New Role
The transition to safety has been a notable chapter in Maddox's career this season. "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," Maddox explained. This continuous improvement reflects Maddox's dedication to mastering his craft and providing stability to the Eagles' secondary.
One significant advantage Maddox brings to the safety position is his comprehensive understanding of the team’s defensive scheme. "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," he noted. This awareness allows him to be a pivotal figure, both in terms of leadership and execution on the field.
Building a Better Eagles Team
Maddox's dedication to mentoring extends to his willingness to address Mitchell’s questions daily. "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," said Maddox, recognizing Mitchell’s eagerness to absorb knowledge and enhance his performance.
The Philadelphia Eagles highly value Maddox’s depth and versatility, acknowledging that his contributions off the field are as significant as his on-field performance. Maddox himself is keenly aware of the long-term impact of his mentorship. "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 remarked.
This season has revealed much about the character and resilience of the Eagles, and Maddox stands out not just for his adaptability on the field but for his unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent. The bond between Maddox and Mitchell is a testament to the team’s culture of support and development, a crucial element as they navigate the ups and downs of a demanding NFL season.