Eagles All-Pro Darius Slay riding with role model Kobe Bryant in Super Bowl 57

He's got a tattoo of his first name on his leg. But don't call him Darius. It's Slay. He will correct you if you say, "Darius."

"Slay. Slay," the Eagles All-Pro cornerback said.

Next to that tattooo is a picture of himself with his idol growing up, NBA legend Kobe Bryant.

During the 2020 Pro Bowl that Slay played in, the sports world stopped when the news came out that Bryant was killed in a helicopter accident in the mountains of Calabasas, California.

During the Pro Bowl, Slay and another player did a fade-away jump shot gesture in honor of Bryant, his signature shot, who was one of the NBA's all-time greats during his career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Slay said he got the tattoo of himself with Kobe after the Pro Bowl.

In the NFL 2020 season, Slay changed his jersey number in Philadelphia to 24, the number Bryant wore. He changed it back the next year to No. 2. Bryant grew up in the Philadelphia area, as his dad played for the 76ers.

"Kobe is the GOAT in my eyes," Slay said to reporters this week. "I got a picture on my leg with Kobe and myself. I do love myself a lot. But it's me and Kobe. That's my dude. I'm so sick right now, because he's a big Philly fan."

That tattoo will be worn with pride as he enters State Farm Stadium to lead the Eagles defense against NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 57.

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Slay drew big media crowds during his availability this week in prepartion for the game. He was asked to put on a sombrero, which he gladly did, on Opening Night at the Footprint Center.

It's been fun for Slay, taking time to answer even the most ridiculous questions with glee. He's in his 10th year in the league, realizing he's "renting" a place to play in the NFL, but he's prepare for perhaps a media gig in the future.

"I'm pretty natural with it," he said. "I like the media world. But you got some drama-guys media stars. But I will be having a podcast. Make sure you all tune into that. I'll be talking real. I’m gonna be viral because I speak the truth. I like to keep it honest. Everybody tells me it’s a perfect fit for me."

But he can't wait to play in the Super Bowl for the first time.

"It’s a great chance to show off," he said. "I'm living it in real life, instead of living it on Madden. I'm having a great time."

He's excited to come out for the first time and "seeing how many flashing lights," before being ready to go.

"I'm like, 'Man, I'm in the Super Bowl,' " Slay said. "It's crazy. I'm excited to play this game. There be like 30 million people watching this game. Probably way more than that. I'm thankful and ready to compete."

The personable, outspoken Slay doesn't need to bring any trash talking to the field. He leaves that for safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, who came to the Eagles from the New Orleans Saints last summer.

"Chaucey brought trash talk over. Chauncey came up and filled that whole void," Slay said. "He does all the trash talking for us and backs it up."

Slay, a team captain, said he'll listen to his slow-moves '90s jam before the game. And, if he's asked to talk to the players before the game, he's ready, even if he gets emotional.

"I'm a goofy guy," Slay said. "But I really talk from the heart. It would be real genuine. I'll get emotional if it comes to that. Whatever is on my chest, I just let it ride. We just go out there and line up and play ball. Enjoy it and have fun and come out with that victory."

To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert atrichard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter@azc_obert

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Eagles' Darius Slay riding with role model Kobe Bryant in Super Bow