Philly Leader

Believe it or not, there isn't much trash talk within the Gray family this week. When Eagles Assistant Director of Player Personnel Jeremy Gray's father, Jerry, visits Philadelphia for Monday night's showdown between the Eagles and the Atlanta Falcons (8:15 PM, ESPN), he has two objectives: getting a win and seeing his grandson, Jett. Hopefully, only the second one will come to fruition. Jerry Gray is the assistant head coach/defense for new Falcons Head Coach Raheem Morris' staff in Atlanta.

"For me, I think growing up around it, I was just innately surrounded by it. I had a genuine love for the game from all aspects," Jeremy Gray said by phone this week as he was in Dallas scouting local colleges and preparing to watch Sunday's Saints-Cowboys game in Arlington, Texas before returning to Philadelphia. "He never really pushed me into it, which I'm actually grateful for because it helped me develop my own genuine love for the game in multiple fashions. Looking back on it now, I really appreciate that the most."

This isn't the first time their teams have squared off in Philadelphia. During Jeremy's first season with the team two years ago, the Eagles beat Jerry's Green Bay Packers in a prime-time showdown. Will the Eagles be 2-0 and Jeremy remain undefeated against his father by the end of Monday night?

Jeremy was born at the end of his father's illustrious playing career. A two-time All-American at Texas, Jerry was a first-round pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 1985. In nine NFL seasons, Jerry was a four-time Pro Bowl selection at cornerback, battling players like Jerry Rice, Michael Irvin, and Cris Carter. He had three seasons with at least six interceptions and 28 total in nine seasons.

Jerry's coaching career began at SMU where Jeremy would eventually be a three-time letterman as a defensive back before landing with the Tennessee Oilers two years later. Jerry Gray was a rising star in the coaching community. He was a defensive backs coach for Tennessee's AFC Championship Team in 1999 and the squad that reached the AFC title game the following season. In 2001, Jerry Gray was named defensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills forcing Jeremy to pick up and establish new roots in elementary school.

Upon reflection, this move had a monumental effect on Jeremy both personally and professionally. Jeremy understood what moving up the coaching ladder meant for both his father and family. He embraced change and accepted all aspects of his new life.

Jeremy practically lived in Bills' facility when he wasn't in school; it served as an early apprenticeship for NFL industry insights ranging from equipment staff to athletic trainers to scouts and personnel evaluators.

"Seeing passion and joy that game can bring," Jeremy said recalling unique behind-the-scenes moments igniting his desire to work within sport.

After playing career at SMU ended post-2013 campaign; Jeremy set out blazing own trail football industry serving graduate assistant coach defensive side ball alma mater before getting taste personnel side Minnesota Vikings reuniting father team's defensive backs coach.

Biggest adjustment according Jeremy; no longer young curious kid hanging out team facility but making mark team.

"I wanted make sure being consistent approach ensuring work speaks itself making not only team but also family last name proud," said.

Best advice received father? "Make sure preparation matches expected outcome then put time whether school work film study weightlifting."

Jeremy returned college ranks constant turnover providing faster opportunities growth cultivating worldview perspective game coaching offensive side ball grad assistant UCLA rejoining Vikings' personnel staff pro scout three seasons (2018-20). Experienced college NFL sides spectrum Director NFL Combine Training The Star Arlington year leaving University Arizona school's personnel side college scouting coordinator.

Eagles hired 2022 team's assistant director pro personnel earned promotion past offseason incorporating more college scouting process assistant director player personnel diverse background coaching scouting helps minimize potential blind spots evaluation process.

"I try ensure looking everything holistic viewpoint because when you're very focused task assignment goal mindful everyone else's perspective same time," stated.

Growing up didn't hear much father's incredible playing career him doesn't brag boast accomplishments dug teaching tapes featuring highlights younger brother Jayden seeks much film possible convert digital files preservation fitting offers scouting report dad's game.

"Definitely man-to-man corner physical hitter unique cornerback position these days good feet hips vertical speed stay top ball production well-rounded corner film speaks itself."

Before kickoff some time family City Brotherly Love once 8:15 PM hits Monday night it'll all about Eagles trying improve 2-0 ...and doing same against dad.

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