They don’t call it the city of Brotherly Love for nothing.
Eagles corner Darius Slay had just read a pass attempt from Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins out to Justin Jefferson perfectly, and picked him off on a throw toward the end zone. After he was finally tackled following his return, Slay ran out of bounds and found another familiar face in Philadelphia sports.
Following Slay’s pick, he rushed over and found 76ers guard James Harden and gave him the interception ball.
Souvenir for @JHarden13 🏈 @bigplay24slay
📺: #MINvsPHI on ABC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/DYp0tOlKGX pic.twitter.com/39DSHFrXkY— NFL (@NFL) September 20, 2022
MORE: Vikings vs. Eagles live score, updates, highlights
Slay had already been having a standout performance on Monday as the primary corner on Jefferson, and had held him to just 6 catches for 48 yards and no touchdowns.
With about 10 minutes left in the third, Slay read Jefferson’s route and cut in front of him, picking off the ball at the goal-line and returning it 19 yards to continue to stifle the Vikings.
Darius Slay INTERCEPTION at the goal line! @bigplay24slay
📺: #MINvsPHI on ABC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/DYp0tOlKGX pic.twitter.com/0b37uA5Tnc— NFL (@NFL) September 20, 2022
Cousins was picked off a second time on the following drive.
After the game, Slay and Harden met up again so the 76ers star could get the ball he received autographed.
.@JHarden13 getting the ball @bigplay24slay gave him autographed was a MUST ✍️
🎥: @NFL pic.twitter.com/KX7G8bRRv0
— 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 (@sportingnews) September 20, 2022
“I didn’t even know he was there at the game until they put him on the Jumbotron,” Slay said postgame of Harden and his decision to give the 76ers star the picked off ball.
He’s one of my favorite players. I get a chance to meet James Harden, a Hall of Fame basketball player. If I make a play tonight, definitely a pick, I’ve got to give him the ball… I was like, ‘Hey, this is a good opportunity.’
Much respect.@JHarden13 | @bigplay24slay #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/1jk6mUapzG
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 20, 2022
MORE: History of ESPN’s ‘Monday Night Football’ doubleheader
Harden was one of a number of celebrities spotted in the prime-time clash between the Eagles and Vikings, and he wasn’t the only local athlete in the seats. Along with Harden, Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper, actor Bradley Cooper and actress Quinta Brunson were spotted watching the hometown team. Chiefs TE Travis Kelce was in attendance wearing his brother’s Eagles jersey, too!
Nothing like brotherly support. ❤️ #FlyEaglesFly @tkelce | @JasonKelce pic.twitter.com/JVnsdutr18
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) September 20, 2022
Bradley Cooper, Bryce Harper, James Harden, and Quinta Brunson pic.twitter.com/JkjhJdvNTc
— CJ Fogler AKA Perc70 #BlackLivesMatter (@cjzero) September 20, 2022
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