With the Philadelphia Eagles opening up training camp this weekend, all eyes were on this NFC East perennial power as news continues to swirl of Chip Kelly’s eccentric roster moves that many pundits question heading into the season. Although cryptic innuendo continues to pass through the media from former players, Chipe Kelly has a certain eye for talent and understands what works well for his scheme. This couldn’t have been anymore obvious than during the 2015 NFL Draft as Kelly selected USC star Nelson Agholor with the 20th pick.
With Agholor showcasing his notable speed and route running during his time at SC, this rookie wideout has drawn comparisons to the greats such as Reggie Wayne and more. With adidas nabbing this talented wideout with an endorsement deal, we recently caught up with Agholor as he talked all things football and sneakers.
To see more, scroll down the page below for this latest Gridiron Kicks Spotlight.
Nice Kicks: With you growing up in Florida and then transitioning to Southern California during your time at USC, what is the sneaker culture like in those two areas?
Nelson Agholor: Coming out to the West Coast there is a bit more of a fight for the swag. More people want to make sure that they’re up to par with the competition. In Florida, it’s just a few people here and there that are rocking some nice kicks. Growing up in Tampa, I was always a part of the early morning releases and things like that, but when you get to California everyone has their own plug or their own guy getting them sneakers early.
Nice Kicks: Speaking of that “plug” and/or “sneaker connect,” was it tough finding one for yourself?
Nelson Agholor: At first, but it certainly helped out that I had two teammates like Robert Woods and Marquis Lee on the team who already had all the gear. However, if I was to do it on my own, it would definitely be tough.
Nice Kicks: During the NFL Combine you rocked the adidas Crazy 8, how did the reaction go with other NFL Combine participants once they saw your kicks?
Nelson Agholor: Man, everyone enjoyed the Crazy 8s. I got plenty of comments from my peers for rocking them and them being curious because I didn’t rock the Under Armour shoe like everyone else. My response was simple, “They’re dope.” The Crazy 8s were arguably one of the best shoes Kobe has ever put out regardless of brand.
Nice Kicks: What are your favorite adidas sneakers away from the gridiron?
Neslon Agholor: The Crazy 8s and the Stan Smiths. I really like the Stan Smiths a lot actually. You can dress them up with a cool button up and nice pants, but if I’m trying to shoot around or something like that I’ll put my adidas D Lillard 1s on.
Other than those, you can’t go wrong with the adidas Superstars, those are dope too – just like an everyday walk around type shoe.
Nice Kicks: What is your favorite adidas Football model?
Nelson Agholor: I really enjoy the adidas CrazyQuick a lot. There is a ton of comfort in the CrazyQuick and I really love the new adidas Adizero which is our speed cleat. It is really second to none in regards to providing separation and I feel as though I can truly gear up and get going in those.
Nice Kicks: Lastly, being an adidas athlete, has it been everything you’ve expected so far?
Nelson Agholor: It has been better than I can even imagine. They help take off a lot of pressure within the transition process to the NFL. With having to move to a new city, most guys are heading around trying to find a mall and clothes which causes you to spend money. Since my time in Philly, which has been about three or four months, I’ve worn nothing but adidas stuff.
Everyday I get to pop a new tag on a pair of kicks, t-shirts, socks, you name it. My guys keep me laced up. I wouldn’t ask for anything else and they make it easier for me to solely focus on being an NFL football player.
Select Images via Pro Player Insiders
