Eagles 2023 team captains: One thought for each Philly star wearing the patch

Each announcement and every step of the journey is a reminder that we're one step closer to seeing the Philadelphia Eagles play football in a game that counts. Whether it's a Tuesday afternoon virtual presser with head coach Nick Sirianni or the release of an unofficial depth chart, the results are the same. There's a buzz growing among the members of the most loyal fan base in sports.

Another check mark was placed on the to-do list on Tuesday. Philly announced nine team captains ahead of Week 1's game versus the New England Patriots. Two are first-timers.

Here's the first thing that comes to our minds when we read the names of each of the Philadelphia Eagles' nine team captains.

Process of elimination may have given you your answer. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are given the nod as Eagles team captains for the first time in their careers. Here's a thought about each one and a tip of the cap to the seven other veterans who return to wear the patch again this season.

A.J. Brown

Year one in an Eagles jersey was a phenomenal campaign for A.J. Brown as he set the single-season franchise record for receiving yards. All we want to know is this. What will he do for an encore?

DeVonta Smith

Honestly, we can't understand how DeVonta Smith is still waiting on his first Pro Bowl nod. After setting new franchise benchmarks for rookie receiving yards and receptions by a wide receiver in years one and two respectively, we can't wait to see what he does in his third NFL season.

Jalen Hurts

Jalen Hurts has established himself as one of the top signal-callers in the game, and he still has room to grow. No one doubts that he will do so as he might be the most mature and laser-focused 25-year-old that has ever walked the Earth.

Jason Kelce

Each member of the 'Core Four' earns a captain's patch. That includes Jason Kelce. His legendary career continues.

Lane Johnson

With an NFL decade in his rear-view mirror, Lane Johnson returns for another run. He's an Eagle through and through, and no one should be surprised that he has been given this honor.

Fletcher Cox

It's year 12 for Fletcher Cox. How cool is it to be Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Moro Ojomo and be given an opportunity to learn from this guy?

Brandon Graham

His name is synonymous with positivity and a feel-good vibe. We're entering his 14th season, and we can't remember a day when we have seen Brandon Graham and he didn't smile at some point.

Darius 'Big Play' Slay

It's hard not to love this guy. He's always lending a helping hand, advice, and kind words to his teammates. That's the definition of leadership. That's who Darius 'Big Play' Slay is day-in and day-out.

Jake Elliott

He's absent from the Twitter photo but forever present in our hearts. Jake Elliott finds his way onto this list, and that isn't by accident. He isn't just one of Philly's top special-teamers. He's one of the top placekickers in the game league-wide.