You don’t have to survive in the NFL; you’ve got to thrive in this league. And Eagles rookie CB Quinyon Mitchell is doing it pretty well. His name might not always be on your lips, but it is on Tom Brady‘s. Now, heading to his first-ever Super Bowl in his first-ever season, the Eagles threw Mitchell into the deep end from day one. And week after week, he’s been shutting down some of the best receivers in the game.

Quinyon Mitchell got his flowers before playing the big game from the GOAT himself. Yes, that’s Tom Brady we’re talking about. The Pats legend picked his Defensive Rookie of the Year. And it’s Mitchell who got the nod. “There were so many great rookies this year on the defensive side of the ball, but my Defensive Rookie of the Year goes to Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell,” said Brady. Those words from a seven-time Super Bowl champ must have lifted the young CB’s spirits soaring on cloud nine. But that’s not all Brady has to say. 

The former QB also acknowledged that the Eagles threw Mitchell into the fire from the beginning. And with that pressure, he just kept getting better. Like a diamond getting sharper the more it’s pressed. “He was thrown into a starting role in week one. And he continued to get better every single week locking down some of the league’s top receivers all the way down the stretch.” 

The Toledo alum, in his debut season, racked up 37 solo tackles and 9 assists across 16 games. Mitchell came in, put in the work, and made his presence felt right out of the gate. Brady also sent some love to the rookie CB ahead of the big game against the Chiefs. “He gets to play on the biggest stage against the Chiefs offense and Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl,” Brady said. “Take it all in, Quinyon, and go play the fearless style you played all year.“

Talking of the Eagles‘ defense, Mitchell and the squad might have to say goodbye to one of their key weapons.

Quinyon Mitchell revealed his greatest player…

The Eagles’ defense looks like it’s in some incredible hands. And with players like Quinyon Mitchell, it seems the team’s future is in safe hands. But as new stars rise, the old guard eventually steps aside. So, is this the end of the Darius Slay era in Philly? The 34-year-old veteran CB dropped some hints during the preseason, saying he “would not be playing much longer.” Slay mentioned that 2025 could be his final season. And during the Super Bowl press conference, he confirmed that if at all he plays in 2025, it would be with the Eagles. It sounds like this legend might be hanging up his cleats soon.

Darius has been a huge mentor to Mitchell and the other young guys in the squad. In fact, the veteran CB is the greatest player in Quinyon’s eyes. During the Super Bowl press conference, the 23-year-old was asked who he thinks is the greatest player at his position. Without missing a beat, Mitchell said, “Darius Slay.”

Darius has been holding it down with the Philly squad for five years now. Before that, he was the Lions’ defensive star for seven seasons. But the 34-year-old knows his time on the field won’t last forever. “I’m not going to just keep playing. I’m going to let these young guys eat. That’s what I’m here for, to make sure these guys get there. And when my time is up, it’s up,” Slay shared. Now, as he gets set to play his second Super Bowl with the Eagles, Slay’s got one thing on his mind: grabbing that Super Bowl ring.

 Because this could very well be his last shot at the big game.