Za’Darius Smith Chasing Fangio’s Unique ‘Hamburger’ Award in Chiefs Clash
The Eagles’ newest edge rusher, Za’Darius Smith, is gearing up for his first game with Philadelphia this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. After signing with the team earlier this week, Smith is eager to make an impact as they prepare to face quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Settling In with the Eagles
This week has been a whirlwind for Smith, who is focused on quickly acclimating to his new environment. “I feel good,” he stated after practice on Friday. With 11 years of experience in the NFL under his belt, Smith is confident in his ability to stay ready. He has continued his training regimen, even donning his helmet during workouts in the lead-up to joining the Eagles.
Smith has already forged a connection with Philadelphia’s defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio. He draws parallels between Fangio and his former coach in Baltimore, Dean Pees. “Oh man, he’s been doing it for a long, long time,” Smith remarked. Their shared philosophies seem to resonate well with Smith, who is excited to work under Fangio’s guidance.
The Intriguing Hamburger Tradition
One amusing aspect of Fangio’s coaching style caught Smith off guard during a team meeting. Fangio presented a video of himself cooking hamburgers. “I think he came in and showed us a video of him making some hamburgers,” Smith recalled with a laugh. It was an unusual but memorable moment, as Fangio used the video to highlight the players of the game.
During the meeting, Fangio donned a chef’s hat and apron, presenting hamburgers as a light-hearted reward for standout performances. Linebacker Zack Baun received this culinary accolade for his impressive play against Dallas, while defensive tackle Byron Young was recognized for his resilience after Jalen Carter’s ejection.
However, the hamburgers themselves were merely a playful nod. Fangio’s real treat is his famous meatballs—an award inspired by a cherished family recipe dating back to 1919. This recipe, a blend of ground beef, ground pork, and parmesan cheese, has been a staple throughout Fangio’s coaching career, demonstrating his unique approach to motivating players.
Aiming for Recognition
As Smith prepares for the showdown against the Chiefs, he’s hopeful he, too, can earn one of Fangio’s culinary rewards. “Hopefully I can get a burger next week, how about that?” he said with a smile, embodying the light-hearted spirit that Fangio encourages within the team.
With his experience and enthusiasm, Smith is eager to contribute to the Eagles’ efforts this weekend. As they take on the formidable Chiefs, all eyes will be on how his presence enhances Philadelphia’s defensive strategy and, perhaps, whether he can add a hamburger to his accolades.
