Eagles’ Darius Slay gifts ball to 76ers’ James Harden after picking off Vikings QB Kirk Cousins on ‘Monday Night Football’

By | September 19, 2022
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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.

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.

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. 

“I didnโ€™t even know he was there at the game until they put him on the Jumbotron,โ€ Slay said postgame of Harden and his decision to give the 76ers star the picked off ball.

Heโ€™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, Iโ€™ve got to give him the ballโ€ฆ I was like, โ€˜Hey, this is a good opportunity.’

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!

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