The Philadelphia Eagles have established their team captains for the 2024 NFL season, and just like 2022, there’s a first-timer on the list, and he’s emotional about the whole situation.
Like A.J. Brown last season, Jordan Mailata was voted one of seven team captains for this season, and he was overwhelmed with emotion.
“I mean, first off, I’m extremely honored to be a part of that creed, and I didn’t expect it. Whether I’ve had the ‘C’ on my chest or not, I’ve always considered myself a leader, just trying to prove and follow the example that was set for me by the veterans and captains I’ve had in the past. So to now have the ‘C’ doesn’t really change my mentality, you know, just going to still go about my day and about my hustle,” Mailata said.
“That’s something that I’m going to cherish and not take for granted, because it’s an incredible opportunity to lead this team and to be a captain is crazy.”
The Eagles took a team vote for the nine permanent captains for the season, which the team’s official website just announced.
Those captains are quarterback Jalen Hurts, wide receiver A.J. Brown, Mailata, kicker Jake Elliott, defensive end Brandon Graham, right tackle Lane Johnson, and cornerback Darius Slay.
Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata (68) in a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The former late-round pick has become one of the NFL’s best-left tackles.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 24: A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on prior to the preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field on August 24, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Brown enters the season having signed a contract extension and as one of the best players in the sport.
BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 09: Jake Elliott #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with Braden Mann #10 after kicking the game winning field goal against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 9, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Elliott is an All-Pro and one of the NFL’s top kickers.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 26: Jalen Carter #98 of the Philadelphia Eagles, Brandon Graham #55 of the Philadelphia Eagles, and Reed Blankenship #32 of the Philadelphia Eagles react after a play during the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Lincoln Financial Field on November 26, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Graham is set to play his final NFL season in Philadelphia.
Aug 9, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) looks to throw before a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Eagles star quarterback has been a captain every season since he took over for Carson Wentz.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 05: Lane Johnson #65 and Tyler Steen #56 of the Philadelphia Eagles look on against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on November 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Arguably the best right tackle in the NFL, the Eagles are almost unbeatable when Johnson’s in the lineup.
Dec 10, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay (2) reacts after being called for pass interference against the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Big Play Slay has earned the respect of his teammates.
