Veteran Avonte Maddox has taken it upon himself to be more than just a teammate for rookie Quinyon Mitchell this season. Maddox has stepped into a mentoring role, offering his wisdom and experience to aid Mitchell in his transition to the NFL. The relationship between these two cornerbacks extends beyond the football field, showcasing their bond and the benefits it brings to the Eagles.
An Unexpected Call for Help
Their camaraderie was cemented in a moment of unexpected need when Mitchell's car ran out of gas while crossing the Walt Whitman Bridge. Without hesitation, Mitchell reached out to Maddox, who quickly came to his rescue. "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.
Sharing On-Field Experience
Mitchell has been eager to learn from Maddox, frequently turning to the veteran for guidance on the intricacies of playing the slot cornerback position. Maddox has been more than willing to assist, offering insights into how to read the game and make crucial decisions. "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.
Maddox's approach to mentorship is driven by a genuine desire to help Mitchell grow as a player. "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.
Adapting to a New Role
This season, Maddox finds himself playing a new position, temporarily stepping into the safety role due to C.J. Gardner-Johnson's shoulder injury. Despite the challenge, Maddox has embraced the opportunity to adapt and evolve. "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," he explained.
Maddox's versatility is a valuable asset for the Eagles, who appreciate his ability to provide depth and reliability across the secondary. His comprehensive understanding of the team's defensive schemes has been particularly beneficial. "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 said.
The Value of Mentorship
Mitchell's constant curiosity and drive to improve have not gone unnoticed by 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," Maddox remarked.
The dynamic between Maddox and Mitchell is a testament to the culture of support and development that the Eagles strive to foster. Maddox is not just looking out for his own career; he is investing in the future of his teammates. "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 concluded.
As the season progresses, the bond between Maddox and Mitchell will undoubtedly continue to strengthen, bringing out the best in both players and contributing significantly to the team's overall success. The Eagles are fortunate to have a veteran like Maddox, whose leadership and willingness to mentor a rookie reflect the values and vision of the organization.