Jordan Matthews praises Eli Stowers as a 'blueprint' prospect for the Eagles, highlighting his production, athleticism, and character. Matthews, a former Eagles receiver, expressed a desire for his children to emulate Stowers.
The Philadelphia Eagles drafted Eli Stowers because of his production, athleticism, and upside. Apparently, though, those traits only scratch the surface of why so many people around football speak so highly of him.
Former Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews recently offered perhaps the strongest endorsement imaginable. He discussed Philadelphiaâs second-round rookie tight end in an interview with The Athletic. That one is worth a read for obvious reasons. After spending 11 years in the NFL, five with the Eagles, Matthews coached at Vanderbilt last season. He explained that he had carefully considered the types of athletes and people he wanted his own children to emulate. He eventually settled on two names. One of those names belongs to Eli Stowers.
âI would love for my boys to be like Eli Stowers. I donât know if I can compliment a person better than that.â
Well, the truth is it's hard to offer more glowing praise, especially from a father and former athlete. That statement carries weight coming from someone who has lived inside NFL locker rooms for over a decade. The Eagles already knew Stowers could play. It's nice to hear backing from trustworthy sources who know him well.
Stowers entered the NFL after winning the John Mackey Award, earning Unanimous All-American honors, and establishing himself as one of college football's premier tight ends during his final season at Vanderbilt. Add in his record-setting combine performance, including a jaw-dropping 45½-inch vertical jump, and the football appeal becomes obvious quickly.
The Eagles drafted Eli Stowers due to his impressive production, athleticism, and potential upside.
Jordan Matthews described Eli Stowers as a 'blueprint' prospect and expressed a desire for his children to emulate him.
Jordan Matthews played in the NFL for 11 years, with five of those years spent with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Eli Stowers is a second-round rookie tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles.

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Matthews, however, focused on something else entirely. According to the former Eagles receiver, Stowers consistently separated himself through moments fans never see publicly. Matthews praised his preparation habits, consistency, faith, temperament, and approach to everyday work.
Matthews refers to his former pupil as âthe blueprint.
Perhaps the most fascinating part of Matthewsâ comments involved how genuine he believes Stowers truly is.
âI think early on in the NFL, when people meet Eli, they try and get him to break a little bit... Like, âOK, is this real? Who is this guy, really?ââ
Matthews' answer was immediate. He says, basically, that what you see is what you get, for lack of better phrasing. Stowers isn't fake. He's very real. Nothing is forced. That type of praise should immediately resonate with Eagles fans because Philadelphia has consistently prioritized players who fit the organization culturally as much as physically.
Talent gets players drafted. Authentic leadership and professionalism usually determine who survives over the long term in demanding NFL environments. The Eagles clearly believe Stowers can become a major part of their future offensively. If Matthews' evaluation of the rookie's character proves accurate, Philadelphia may have added far more than just another athletic tight end. They may have added someone who means so much more to fans and their community: someone like... well... Jordan Matthews. If Stowers ultimately becomes the player the Eagles believe he can be, his athletic gifts will certainly play a role. Based on Matthewsâ glowing endorsement, however, it may be his character, discipline, and authenticity that separate him long after the highlight plays fade.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Jordan Matthews describes Eli Stowers as a 'blueprint' Eagles prospect