Veteran Eagle Avonte Maddox Mentors Rookie Quinyon Mitchell On and Off the Field
Philadelphia Eagles veteran Avonte Maddox is embracing a dual role this season, showcasing his versatility and leadership both as a player and a mentor. One notable beneficiary of his mentorship is rookie Quinyon Mitchell, who is navigating the challenges of his first NFL training camp with Maddox’s guidance.
Maddox’s support for Mitchell isn’t confined to football drills and theory sessions. It extends into real-life scenarios that highlight the bond forming between the two. On a recent Sunday morning, Maddox received an urgent call from Mitchell, whose car had run out of gas while crossing the Walt Whitman Bridge. True to his nature, Maddox didn’t hesitate. "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 recounted. He promptly picked up Mitchell and helped him get a gallon of gas to resolve the issue.
Maddox has been a steadfast mentor for Mitchell throughout the training camp, sharing his extensive knowledge of playing the slot cornerback position, a role he’s familiar with after several years of experience. Mitchell, who is eagerly learning the ropes of the slot cornerback position, is appreciative of Maddox’s willingness to share insights. "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.
Beyond the technical advice, Maddox’s mentorship is fortified by his leadership style, which is inclusive and supportive. "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 explained. Such an attitude underscores the competitive yet cooperative spirit present within the Eagles’ secondary group.
Maddox himself has been busy adapting to a temporary switch to safety, getting first-team reps while C.J. Gardner-Johnson recovers from a shoulder injury. This shift, though challenging, has proven valuable for Maddox. "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 shared. His experience and comprehensive understanding of the team dynamics enable him to make seamless transitions between positions. "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 added.
For Mitchell, having such an experienced player to turn to has been invaluable. "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 noted, highlighting Mitchell's eagerness to improve and absorb as much as possible during this critical period in his career.
Maddox’s journey hasn't always been smooth. He had to fight for a roster spot coming into camp, knowing well the pressures and stakes that Mitchell now faces. Despite the challenges, it seems the Eagles have found a reliable asset in Maddox, whether he plays in the slot or at safety. His ability to provide depth and versatility in the secondary is appreciated by the team. And for Mitchell, Maddox’s willingness to share his knowledge and foster a competitive yet supportive environment has been a cornerstone of his development. "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 stated.
As the Eagles gear up for the upcoming season, the relationship between Maddox and Mitchell will undoubtedly continue to flourish, benefiting not only the two players but the team as a whole. Mitchell’s gratitude and growth, coupled with Maddox’s leadership and skill, represent the collaborative spirit that can propel the team to greater heights.