Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay grew to idolize former Los Angeles Lakers legend and Philly native Kobe Bryant.
Naturally, Slay is ready to put on for Kobe's favorite team.
The former All-Pro said he plans to do whatever the Eagles need him to do in order to help the team win in 2020, via Tim McManus of ESPN:
Slay envisions a “very effective” secondary that is “going to try and build this chemistry, make plays together and try to have fun doing it.” His intention is to be “the best ball-hawking guy that can possibly be” and will attack that goal wearing No. 24 on his back.
“Whatever the defense needs me to do, I'll do it,” Slay said. “I just want to do anything to help the team win.”
Slay dedicated this season to Bryant — who died in a helicopter crash in January — after he was traded to the Eagles, and now he hopes to apply Kobe's competitive spirit to his work on the gridiron:
Really get to play for my favorite athlete of all time team!!! Miss ya @kobebryant ✊🏽💯
— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) March 19, 2020
Philly ensured Slay would be prominently featured as part of its defensive unit shortly after acquiring him, inking the 29-year old to a three-year extension.
The Eagles have been exposed for a shortage of quality depth in their secondary over the course of the two seasons, but Slay gives them a legitimate lockdown corner capable of creating turnovers.
Slay has been named to three consecutive Pro Bowls, and he has been one of the five most valuable corners since 2014:
Darius Slay: 5th most valuable CB since 2014 according to PFF WAR pic.twitter.com/65odvINMtz
— PFF (@PFF) March 19, 2020
Philly's secondary will still be going through a bit of a transition period in 2020.
The Eagles declined their option on safety Malcolm Jenkins, and Jalen Mills is moving from corner to safety.
Still, Slay seems to be on a mission to revitalize the defense, powered by a determination to perform for his former idol.
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