Nolan Smith pays tribute to his injured teammate from Georgia and the Philadelphia Eagles.

In a sport where camaraderie, toughness, and brotherhood are the cornerstones of success, the bond between teammates extends far beyond the field. The connection shared between players often becomes a vital source of strength, especially when they face adversity. For Nolan Smith, a former Georgia Bulldogs linebacker and first-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2023 NFL Draft, this bond is especially meaningful. The 2025 season saw Smith paying heartfelt tribute to a former Georgia teammate and fellow Eagles player, who was sidelined by an unfortunate injury.

As the Eagles prepared for a crucial part of their NFL campaign, Nolan Smith, with his relentless energy and leadership, took a moment to honor the impact and perseverance of his close friend and teammate, who had been struggling with an injury. The act of paying tribute was not just a moment of respect but a demonstration of the unwavering connection between the two athletes. It also symbolized the unique culture that Georgia football instills within its players—a culture where every individual, regardless of their role or status, is valued as part of a larger, united force.

The Teammate: A Shared Journey from Georgia to the NFL

The teammate Nolan Smith honored was none other than Jordan Davis, another former Georgia Bulldog who also went on to play for the Philadelphia Eagles after an illustrious college career. Like Smith, Davis had left his mark on Georgia’s defense, playing a crucial role in their dominance during the 2021-2022 college football season. Davis was a massive presence on the defensive line, earning accolades as one of the most formidable defensive tackles in college football. He was a key player in Georgia’s national championship victory in 2022, and his performance throughout his career established him as one of the premier defensive prospects in the nation.

After being selected by the Eagles in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Davis’s future seemed incredibly bright. However, as often happens in professional sports, adversity struck. Early in his NFL career, Davis faced an unfortunate setback in the form of an injury that would temporarily sideline him. It was a pivotal moment in his young professional career, one that could have been difficult to overcome. But Davis’s resolve, both mentally and physically, along with the unwavering support of his teammates, including Nolan Smith, would prove to be key factors in his recovery.

Nolan Smith’s Tribute to Davis

In a show of solidarity and brotherhood, Nolan Smith’s tribute to Jordan Davis came at a time when the Eagles needed leadership and unity. Despite Davis’s injury, Smith made sure to highlight his teammate’s importance, both on and off the field. It wasn’t just about the physical impact Davis had on the game; it was about the intangible qualities—the leadership, the work ethic, and the resilience—that made him so valuable to his team.

During an Eagles’ press conference leading up to a game, Smith took the opportunity to speak about the bond he shared with Davis. He expressed admiration for the way Davis handled his injury, showing both patience and determination to return to form. “Jordan has always been the rock in our defense,” Smith said, visibly emotional. “His presence has always been larger than life, and it’s hard to put into words just how much he means to me and this team. Watching him work through this injury, staying positive and focused on getting back out there—it’s inspiring.”

Smith’s tribute highlighted more than just Davis’s physical attributes as a player. It underscored the camaraderie and mentorship the two had shared, dating back to their time at Georgia. Smith spoke about the many times he had learned from Davis, watching how Davis approached each game, each practice, and how he led his teammates both through words and actions.

For Smith, who had been through his own challenges during his college career at Georgia, having Davis by his side was essential. The two had often leaned on each other during the tough moments of their collegiate careers. Now, as professionals in the NFL, Smith and Davis would continue to support each other. The bond formed through the grind of Georgia football—through practices, games, and championship victories—was never going to be broken by an injury.

The Importance of the Georgia Brotherhood

The tribute from Smith to Davis serves as a reminder of the larger brotherhood that exists within Georgia football. Under head coach Kirby Smart, Georgia has fostered a culture of family, where each player is accountable not only to their coaches and teammates but also to the history and tradition of the program. The connections formed at Georgia run deep, and for players like Smith and Davis, their shared experiences on the field transcend individual success.

In a sport like football, where individual accolades can sometimes overshadow the true spirit of teamwork, Georgia’s emphasis on developing players as people first has played a pivotal role in shaping the lives and careers of its athletes. This approach has produced not only incredible football players but exceptional human beings who understand the value of loyalty, leadership, and brotherhood. These qualities are critical in the NFL, where the difference between success and failure often lies in a team’s ability to pull together during moments of adversity.

For Smith and Davis, their time at Georgia was foundational in shaping the athletes they became in the NFL. Both players saw their careers at Georgia culminate with a national championship, an achievement that was built on trust, hard work, and a collective commitment to something greater than personal glory. Now, as professionals, they were bringing that same mentality to the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Injury and Recovery Process

Jordan Davis’s injury, although unfortunate, was not a death knell for his career. In fact, it became a defining moment, testing both his physical resilience and his mental toughness. The nature of his injury and the subsequent recovery process was not easy, but Davis showed a resolve that is typical of the Georgia Bulldogs mentality. Nolan Smith, while focusing on his own development in the NFL, continually checked in on Davis, offering words of encouragement and helping him through the rough patches of rehab.

Davis’s injury not only impacted him personally but also forced the Eagles to adjust their defensive strategy. However, the team rallied around Davis and his recovery process, just as they had done for Smith when he had his own setbacks. Davis’s return to form, when it eventually came, was not just about getting back on the field—it was about a triumphant comeback that demonstrated the value of persistence and patience in the face of adversity.

Impact Beyond the Field: Nolan Smith’s Leadership

Smith’s tribute to Davis wasn’t just about acknowledging a teammate’s injury; it was about recognizing the impact of leadership and how essential it is to a team’s success. As the 2023 NFL season continued, Smith continued to develop into a leader for the Eagles, drawing from his experiences at Georgia and bringing that wisdom to Philadelphia. His tribute to Davis was, in many ways, an extension of the leadership he had already been displaying throughout the season.

In a league like the NFL, where success is often defined by the strength of a team’s leadership, Nolan Smith’s role was becoming increasingly important. While he had shown flashes of brilliance as a rookie, it was his ability to inspire and uplift his teammates—just as he had done with Davis—that would solidify his place as a leader on and off the field. His tribute to Davis reflected this leadership style—one that places the success of the team ahead of individual recognition.