When a former NFL player says he wants his kids to grow up just like you, you know you're doing something right—both on and off the field. That's exactly the kind of praise Philadelphia Eagles rookie tight end Eli Stowers is receiving from Jordan Matthews, a former NFL wide receiver who recently coached at Vanderbilt.

Stowers, a Vanderbilt product who turned heads in the SEC as one of the nation's top college tight ends, has a real shot at making an immediate impact in Philadelphia. His on-field skills are undeniable, but as any coach or teammate will tell you, what a player does away from the game matters just as much.

In a recent interview with The Athletic, Matthews didn't hold back his admiration. "I would love for my boys to be like Eli Stowers," he said. "I don't know if I can compliment a person better than that."

Matthews also broke down Stowers' game with the kind of detail only a former pro can offer. "Nobody can cover this dude. When he put his foot in the ground, he separates. How quickly can you put your foot in the ground and then get two to three steps away from somebody? He did it so consistently early on. I don't care what pace he plays at. This dude is explosive."

Drawing a comparison to one of the all-time greats, Matthews added: "Does Travis Kelce play fast? I don't know. Is Travis Kelce explosive? One hundred percent."

For his part, Stowers has been saying all the right things since arriving in Philadelphia. When asked about Matthews, he returned the respect. "Jordan's been huge; I love him to death. He's a mentor in every aspect, not just in football. He's big in his faith, he's mentored me in that, in football. He went through a similar thing, a position change while he was in the league. He has so much wisdom."

It's the kind of mutual admiration that speaks volumes about Stowers' character—and a reminder that the best players bring more to the table than just athletic ability. As the Eagles look to build a championship-caliber roster, having a rookie with that kind of mindset is a welcome sight.