Jalen Carter earns elite nickname from teammate Darius Slay

We've been discussing something for a couple of years now. We have never done so publicly. We have never dedicated a ton of time toward the topic, especially when other Philadelphia Eagles stories take center stage, but time and time again, even if we only do so for two to three minutes, you'd smile at how often we talk about Darius Slay's nickname. There's a question about whether or not he was branded as 'Big Play Slay' or if he gave said moniker to himself.

Here's what we have learned. Most believe that he gave the name to himself. Why is that important with so many other things going on? We're glad that you asked. It's important for two reasons.

One, in most circumstances this would be considered a violation of sorts. Second, when you think about it, the name rocks. He has also shown a talent for giving nicknames to his teammates. Meanwhile, many of us have been trying to come up with a nickname for the game-wrecker, Jalen Carter. That friends, is where our story begins.

Darius Slay's proficiency in giving his teammates nicknames has led to a home run with Jalen Carter's new moniker.

With 15 training camp practices in our rearview mirrors, we have seen a lot. We have endured injuries to players during preseason games. We have witnessed the rise of returning veterans and rookies. We have heard from coaches and players on the Eagles' roster.

We all have our opinions about social media. Some of us have a lot of fun there. Others are irritated by the negativity. Both sides of that discussion hold merit. Still, if you're looking to have some fun, one guy is definitely worth tapping the 'follow' button to keep tabs on. You guessed it. That man is Darius 'Big Play' Slay.

Slay is one of the best cover guys in the NFL and a five-time Pro Bowler. He's also the host of his own podcast if you're interested. One of the more recent airings is definitely worth your time.

Everyone's praise of Jalen Carter has been glowing. Brandon Graham, Jason Kelce, Landon Dickerson, and Lane Johnson have all given him their seal of approval. Big Play Slay has joined the fan club, and as you might expect, he has given the discussion a twist. He has given the most recent draft's ninth-overall selection a nickname. How does 'Baby Rhino' sound?

There are unwritten rules that are attached to giving people nicknames. Perhaps the most important is you aren't allowed to give one to yourself. Again, we aren't certain about Big Play's backstory, but come on, this is Slay we're discussing. If anyone has earned the right to bend the rules of naming one's alter-ego, it would most certainly be one of the top cornerbacks in all of pro football. He can be trusted on these matters.

Never forget he's the reason that Jason Kelce has donned Bruce Wayne's cowl, DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown have both thrown on Batman's cape, and Pro Football Reference added the 'Skinny' and 'Swole' Batman monikers to DeVonta and A.J.'s pages on their platform.

Every time we stop by PFR to brush up on each one's stat line, we always take a look at the top line and smile.

Here are a few things that we know about rhinos, and why Darius Slay's new nickname for his new Eagles teammate, Jalen Carter, works.

Yep. Slay is a trendsetter, but this might be his best work. Don't be shocked if there are T-shirts and rhino masks at Lincoln Financial Field on game days.

White rhinos are the third largest land mammal. Jalen Carter, at six-foot-three and 300 pounds is one of the largest individuals on the Eagles' roster.

Even had you never seen Jalen Carter, had he walked into any room you were hanging out in, there would be no confusion about his profession. Both on the field and off, this guy looks like an NFL star.

Not all rhinos use their horns to fight, and there's more than one aspect to Jalen Carter's game.

Though most often discussed for his strength. We have seen finesse from Jalen Carter from time to time. He batted four passes in 37 career games at the NCAA level and is praised for being the owner of elite athleticism.

Rhino's can't backpedal. They're faster than you would think and always charge forward.

Okay, seriously, do we need to explain this one? You saw that first preseason game, right? Teammates have spoken. So have opponents. Jalen Carter is going to be a force in midnight green (or in those alternate kelly green jerseys) for a long, long time. Guess what? You won't hear any complaints.

The Eagles are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. They have a nice mix of proven veterans and young stars in the making. There are silent assassins and vocal guys with star power. Jalen Carter a.k.a. 'Baby Rhino' will fit right in and be a part of this Eagles lineup for a long time.

Here are several other Eagles stories that will whet your whistle.