Here are all of Tennessee’s ties to Super Bowl 59, including AJ Brown, Vols’ Trey Smith

The Tennessee Titans are no strangers to the spotlight, particularly when it comes to the Super Bowl. As one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, their connections to the biggest game of the year have grown over the years, thanks to a variety of players, coaches, and even a few unforgettable moments. With Super Bowl LVIX approaching, it’s only fitting to highlight some of Tennessee’s ties to the event, including a few familiar faces who will be taking the field, such as A.J. Brown and Trey Smith. These individuals, along with others, embody the deep-rooted relationship between the state of Tennessee and the pinnacle of football, the Super Bowl.

A.J. Brown’s Super Bowl Ties: A Star with the Eagles

One of the most notable figures with ties to Tennessee making a significant impact on Super Bowl LVIX is wide receiver A.J. Brown. Brown’s story with the Tennessee Titans is a remarkable one, filled with both high points and emotional moments, including his departure to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022.

Brown was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. From the moment he stepped onto the field in Nashville, it was clear that Brown was a rare talent. His unique combination of size, speed, and physicality made him one of the most feared wide receivers in the league. In just his first season, Brown made an immediate impact with 1,051 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns. He was poised to become the cornerstone of the Titans’ offense and a vital asset for quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

Unfortunately for the Titans, financial constraints and differing perspectives on contract negotiations led to Brown’s departure. In a shocking move during the 2022 NFL Draft, the Titans traded A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for two draft picks, including the 18th overall selection. That move was widely criticized, as Brown was a star player in his prime, and his departure left a massive hole in the Titans’ offense. However, the Eagles were quick to capitalize on the opportunity, signing Brown to a four-year, $100 million contract.

The Eagles’ decision to acquire Brown has paid off in spades. In his first season with Philadelphia, Brown quickly became one of quarterback Jalen Hurts’ favorite targets, forming an instant connection. In 2022, Brown amassed 1,496 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, both career highs. His performance helped the Eagles secure the NFC’s top seed and advance to Super Bowl LVIX.

For Tennessee Titans fans, watching Brown play in a Super Bowl for another team is bittersweet. On one hand, there’s the undeniable pride that a player who spent his formative years in Nashville is now performing on football’s grandest stage. On the other hand, it’s a painful reminder of what might have been if the Titans had been able to keep their star receiver. Brown’s presence in Super Bowl LVIX serves as a testament to his immense talent and leaves Titans fans with a sense of longing for what could have been if the team had been able to retain him for the long haul.

Trey Smith: A Vols’ Star Making His Mark with Kansas City

While A.J. Brown’s presence in Super Bowl LVIX ties Tennessee to one of the game’s most exciting players, another notable figure making an impact is Trey Smith, an offensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs. Smith, a former star at the University of Tennessee, represents a different but equally important connection to Super Bowl LVIX.

Smith’s journey to the NFL wasn’t without its challenges. A dominant force on the Vols’ offensive line, Smith was a two-time All-SEC selection and one of the top offensive line prospects in college football. However, questions about his health and concerns over a pre-existing blood clot issue led to a slip in his draft stock. Despite those concerns, the Chiefs saw something special in Smith and selected him in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Since joining the Chiefs, Smith has proved that the team made the right choice. As a rookie, he became an immediate starter, providing stability to one of the league’s most high-powered offenses. His size, strength, and versatility made him a key contributor to the Chiefs’ offensive line, and he has continued to develop into one of the top young guards in the league.

Smith’s importance in Super Bowl LVIX cannot be understated. The Chiefs have relied heavily on their offensive line to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes and open up holes for their dynamic running game. As a starter for the Chiefs’ offensive line, Smith plays a vital role in the team’s success. His physicality and ability to control the line of scrimmage have been crucial for the Chiefs’ ability to compete at the highest level, and now, he’s getting the chance to prove himself on football’s biggest stage.

For Tennessee fans who followed Smith’s career at the University of Tennessee, watching him compete for a Super Bowl is a point of pride. Smith’s success in the NFL is a reflection of his hard work and determination, and it’s no surprise to those who saw his potential while he was at Tennessee. His growth as a player in Kansas City highlights the kind of talent that the state of Tennessee continues to produce in football, and it’s exciting to see someone with such strong ties to the Volunteer State perform at the highest level.

Other Key Tennessee Ties to Super Bowl LVIX

While A.J. Brown and Trey Smith are two of the most prominent Tennessee-connected players in Super Bowl LVIX, they are far from the only connections between Tennessee and the big game. There are a number of other key figures who represent Tennessee’s ties to the NFL’s grandest stage.

Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid

Another key figure with ties to Tennessee is Andy Reid, the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. While Reid is not a Tennessee native, his coaching career has intersected with the state on multiple occasions. Reid’s long tenure in the NFL, including successful stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Chiefs, has earned him a reputation as one of the game’s greatest minds. Reid has built a championship contender in Kansas City, and his leadership has been instrumental in the Chiefs’ rise to prominence.

Tennessee Volunteers Fans and Alumni

One of the most notable aspects of Super Bowl LVIX is the strong presence of former Tennessee Volunteers players who have made their way to the NFL, either through the draft or free agency. The University of Tennessee, with its rich football tradition, continues to produce top-tier talent that makes an impact at the professional level. The Vols’ alumni who now find themselves playing on the NFL’s biggest stage speak to the state’s deep connection to the game.

Whether it’s players like Trey Smith representing the Tennessee Vols or past legends such as Jason Witten, the state of Tennessee has a proud history of producing NFL talent. These connections to the NFL and the Super Bowl are a testament to the level of talent that resides in Tennessee, and it’s clear that the state continues to play an important role in shaping the future of the league.

The Tennessee Titans’ Path to a Future Super Bowl

While A.J. Brown, Trey Smith, and other Tennessee-connected players compete for a Super Bowl in 2025, the Tennessee Titans remain focused on building a team capable of returning to the big game. The franchise’s history includes one memorable Super Bowl appearance, coming in Super Bowl XXXIV, where they fell just short in a thrilling 23-16 loss to the St. Louis Rams. Since that time, the Titans have worked to build a competitive roster, but they’ve struggled to break through to another Super Bowl appearance.

With new leadership in place, including the hiring of General Manager Mike Borgonzi and Head Coach Mike Vrabel, the Titans’ front office has made it clear that they are committed to constructing a championship-caliber team. The Titans’ offense, defense, and special teams have all undergone significant changes in recent years, and the franchise is hopeful that its investment in player development and roster construction will yield a Super Bowl-caliber squad in the near future.

As the Titans watch players like A.J. Brown and Trey Smith take the field in Super Bowl LVIX, they must look to build their own roster of talented individuals who can one day lead the franchise back to football’s biggest stage. With a strong foundation in place, the Titans’ future is bright, and Super Bowl LVIX serves as both a reminder of what has been lost and a motivation for what lies ahead.