Current Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay and former cornerback Steven Nelson had a serious message for team fans this week. The two talked about how harsh the Eagles crowd can be during games.

There hasn’t been a lot of love in Philly lately

Nov 20, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay (2) leaves the field after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
The Eagles team felt the ire of Philadelphia in their late-season collapse to end the 2023 season. Wide receiver A.J. Brown is battling with fans and local media this offseason. Head coach Nick Sirianni will probably feel the heat until the Eagles win their next game.

Steven Nelson had a hard time with the Philadelphia Eagles fanbase

Jan 6, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Steven Nelson (21) catches a pass during warm ups before a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Per a transcript by Eagles Nation of Nelson’s comments about Philadelphia fans on the Cornersuite Podcast, Nelson and Slay think the fanbase harms the mental health of players:

“I knew quick I had to get up outta there. It wasn’t good for my mental health. They gonna be on yo a– on the bench after EVERY play,” Nelson said. “It got to the point where I’m playing against the fans, I get a 3rd Down stop, and I’m talking s— back to the fans and not the opposing team; I go back and be like ‘F— y’all n—- talkin bout.’” 

Slay agreed with Nelson.

“It stresses you out, boy. I ain’t gonna lie; these are the only fans that ever got to me before,” Slay said.

Darius Slay needs fans of the Eagles to cheer him on

Nov 26, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay (2) against the Buffalo Bills at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Usually, players are more concerned with how to deal with opposing crowds during away games. Eagles fans don’t seem to make home games enjoyable for their team, either.

Eagles players were miserable during the 2023 regular, even before they went on their losing streak. It’s pretty easy to see why.