When a former NFL veteran speaks, the football world listens—especially when that veteran is Jordan Matthews and the player he's praising is an Eagles rookie with serious potential.

Matthews, a former second-round pick out of Vanderbilt, knows what it takes to succeed in Philadelphia. Over five productive seasons with the Birds, he racked up over 3,000 receiving yards and delivered unforgettable moments—including an overtime touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys that still gets Eagles fans buzzing. (Yes, that pass came from Sam Bradford. Football is wild like that.)

Now, Matthews is passing the torch in a different way: by mentoring the next generation. And the player catching his eye is rookie tight end Eli Stowers, selected 54th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft—12 years after the Eagles took Matthews at pick No. 42.

In a recent appearance on 97.5 The Fanatic, Matthews didn't hold back when discussing Stowers' development. "The offense [Offensive Coordinator Tim] Beck ran in college was mostly triple option," Matthews explained. "When I got there, I brought in some pro concepts—‘hey, this is what we did for me and Zach Ertz when we were in the slot'—because Eli can kind of do what we did."

That's not just casual praise. That's a veteran recognizing translatable skills. But what really sets Stowers apart, according to Matthews, isn't just versatility—it's mindset. "Whether the offense featured him heavily or not, Stowers remained steady, prepared, and ready to deliver when called upon," Matthews noted. "That's the type of player who earns trust."

For Eagles fans, that stoic, workmanlike attitude should sound familiar. It's the same mentality that made players like Brian Dawkins and Jason Kelce legends in this city. And if Stowers can combine that mindset with his undeniable athleticism, Philadelphia might have just found its next tight end star.

At a time when versatility is king in the NFL, Stowers looks like the perfect fit for an offense that loves to create mismatches. And with a mentor like Jordan Matthews in his corner, the rookie's development is in good hands.