Eagles offensive line prospect Tyler Steen stretches during Friday’s rookie football minicamp at the Novakea Complex. (Chris Szagola – Associated Press)
PHILADELPHIA — On the last Monday of this month, Eagles third-round draft pick Tyler Steen will celebrate Memorial Day, a holiday with special meaning to his family.
I never met my grandfather Steen, Marine Sergeant. Rodney Maxwell His Davis is paramount in his thoughts, as he made the ultimate sacrifice of throwing himself into a grenade to save the rest of his platoon on September 6, 1967, in Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam.
Davis was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for the ultimate show of bravery. he was just 25 years old.
At Eagles rookie camp, Steen said, “It’s definitely a big day for us because of our grandfather.” It’s a big day for people, and we obviously appreciate what[service people]are doing.”
Sergeant Courage. Davis showed that day revealed by the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation will choke you and bring you to tears.
The remnants of the 2nd Platoon were pinned down in the trench line by a numerically superior force of Viet Cong attackers armed with small arms, grenades and mortars. With explosions and fire all around him, Davis ran up and down the battle line yelling encouragement to his men, directing their fire and hurling grenades at the oncoming attackers.
When an enemy grenade landed in the trenches among his men, “Sgt. … Sgt. Davis saved his comrades from injury and loss of life, enabled his platoon to maintain vital positions, and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Navy.”
Steen speaks to family members, including his father, Dallis, who was a recreational football coach. Steen’s mother was an infant when Davis died.
Even a 6-6, 321-pound left tackle like Steen, who spent four seasons at Vanderbilt University and five years as a graduate student at the University of Alabama, has a tough time turning his arms. He first defended quarterback Bryce Young against the Eagles. Georgia’s vaunted defense with round pick Jalen Carter in his championship game at the 2022 Nationals.
“My grandfather is a big inspiration for me,” Steen said. “He sacrificed his life. Growing up in a military-rooted family, there’s obviously still a lot of discipline and stuff like that. think.”
Steen isn’t sure what his role will be with the Eagles, who have openings at right guard. There is plenty of footage of him playing left guard in the Senior Bowl All-Star Game.
“I feel like I can play over the offensive line, so it was great to get the chance to play guard in the Senior Bowl,” Steen said. I took the same approach to tackling and felt very comfortable.”
At some levels, an offensive lineman’s job is the same as a soldier’s. Follow orders, play together, and protect your teammates.
At Steen, the Eagles have a natural leader.