It's been nine years since Fletcher Cox and Darius Slay suited up together at Mississippi State and terrorized the SEC. This week, the two reunited on the practice field with the Eagles, and Cox is a big reason why.
During an interview with Jon Marks and Ike Reese, Cox talked about how he recruited Slay this offseason when the Eagles were looking to acquire the Lions' shutdown cornerback:
"I know what type of guy he is; he likes winning," said Cox. "I told him that we do things a little different here but we do things different for a reason. I said I'd like to reconnect with you and be back on the same team, let's go take over."
Cox reiterated that Slay has made a seamless transition with the team, something Eagles safety Jalen Mills mentioned on Monday on the Morning Show.
"He fits right in," continued Cox. "He shows up to practice everyday to work and loves to compete no matter who it is, he's always doing that. That's one thing you have to love about him. He's comes in with the juice, fits right in with the guys, that's all you can ask for."
Related: Pederson excited about Slay
The soon to be 30-year-old only collected 3.5 sacks last season, his lowest since 2013, but was still graded out as one of the top interior linemen. The Eagles bolstered the defensive line this offseason with the addition of Javon Hargrave, and Malik Jackson's return is highly anticipated as well. Yet the recent injury setbacks to Hargrave and Derek Barnett have raised concerns about the depth of the line and whether or not this group will start the season together.
Injuries aside, the Eagles, as well as the rest of the NFL, are taking extreme precautions to prevent and limit the spread of COVID-19. Cox spoke about the messages players are receiving about taking care of themselves outside of the practice facility to keep everyone safe. Cox feels the Eagles have helped foster that environment at the NovaCare complex:
"Nobody knew how it would be, but when I got in the building, I really felt it was safer than my house. The way they have everything structured here and the way they are doing stuff, I feel like it's a really safe place."
Cox also talked about the summer workouts at his ranch with fellow Eagles defensive linemen, his mentorship of younger players and the new leadership role he is taking on with the departure of Malcolm Jenkins.