Eagles' Jordan Davis Reveals Overcoming 'Imposter Syndrome' Doubts

Philadelphia Eagles second-year defensive tackle Jordan Davis has stopped second-guessing himself. And his bout with “Imposter Syndrome,” he says, is over.

PHILADELPHIA - The admission is as big as Jordan Davis’ 6-foot-6, 340-pound frame.

Despite playing on a national championship defense at Georgia and being selected No. 13 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, Davis found himself doubting himself during the transition from college to pro ball.

“Obviously, I made it this far for a reason, but it’s just one of those things where you keep second-guessing yourself,” Davis said this week after a joint practice with the Cleveland Browns.

Things were starting to click for Davis, 23, during his rookie season when a high-ankle sprain against Pittsburgh cost the Charlotte native a month of the season and much more than that when it came to playing at 100 percent.

While he was rehabbing physically Davis had to fight through “Imposter Syndrome” mentally.

“You’re coming up on the biggest stage of your life. It’s the grandest stage in football. So obviously, people have, not only myself, have 'Imposter Syndrome,” he said. “Just knowing that you’re here for a reason, they picked you for a reason, you’re here to stay. Just do whatever you can to get better. You just prepare your best and let everything take care of the rest.”

What's "Imposter Syndrome''? In short, it's a psychological fear that one doesn't really belong, with the self-doubt about their skills, talent or accomplishments leading to worry that they'll be exposed as "frauds.''

Entering Year 2 and penciled in for a far bigger role in the Eagles’ multiple fronts, Davis is no "fraud.'' And his comfort level has helped breed his increased confidence.

“First year a lot of stuff to get used to, adjust to, now you’re a pro at it,” the big man explained. “As you go along, more experience. You look at guys like Fletch (Fletcher Cox), this stuff is like the back of his hand to him. Anytime I can gain more experience and more experience I get through these years that I play the more the confidence grows.”

An increased emphasis on conditioning has also prepared Davis for a bigger and more varied role.

“You can see it on the tape,” Davis said of his play. “When I watch practice, I’m more sure. I’m not really hesitant off the ball. I’m taking that first step, I’m taking my gather step. It’s just little things like that. It could be seconds or milliseconds difference but in this game, milliseconds add up.”

And now, the second-guessing is a thing of the past.

“I was always second-guessing myself, but now going into this role, being in more of a leadership role, I’m starting to gain more confidence for myself and everybody else,” Davis said. “Everything we do is going in there 100-percent knowing I can do it, we can do it together, so confidence is the biggest thing.”

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-John McMullen contributes Eagles coverage for SI.com's Eagles Today and is the NFL Insider for JAKIB Media. You can listen to John, alongside legendary sports-talk host Jody McDonald every morning from 8-10 on ‘Birds 365,” streaming live on YouTube. John is also the host of his own show "Football 24/7 and a daily contributor to ESPN South Jersey. You can reach him at jmcmullen44@gmail.com or on Twitter @JFMcMullen