Darius Slay to Channel Spirit of Kobe Bryant in Philadelphia

New Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay says coaches love him, despite his downturn in form over the past two years.

Darius Slay was one of the league’s best interceptors in 2017, with 8 interceptions. However, those numbers dipped to 3 in 2018 and 2 in 2019.

However, Darius Slay says that’s down to him not being targeted as much, and that he had a ‘great year.’ For Slay, numbers don’t tell the whole story of his contributions to the defense. 

“Other than that, I think I played frickin’ fantastic. I’m not going to say the [ultimate] level but it was dang sure good enough to make the Pro Bowl for a third year in a row,” he said.

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“For fans, they’re just looking from a numbers standpoint. But from film and watching tape, coaches love me. I think a lot of coaches would love me to be on their defense, actually.”

The Eagles obviously agree, having traded a third and fifth round pick to the Detroit Lions for his services. Philadelphia agreed to a three year, $50 million extension with $30 million guaranteed with the 29 year old.

The man he must impress now is Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who has a revamped unit to work with.

Slay thinks that the new Eagles defense is “going to try and build this chemistry, make plays together and try to have fun doing it.” He wants to be “the best ball-hawking guy that can possibly be”

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“Whatever the defense needs me to do, I’ll do it,” Slay said. 

“I just want to do anything to help the team win.”

He’ll help the team with the number 24 on his back, in honor of his idol, Kobe Bryant.

“He’s a true competitor. He worked on his craft, and I believe that the work you put in is what you get out of it. Me, knowing who I am, I put in a lot of work into what I do. I like to compete, I work on my techniques, I work on my film study. I’m like that,” Slay said.