Beyond leading the Eagles’ league-best defense to Super Bowl 59, Georgia Football Link accomplishes much more.

In the 2025 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles showcased one of the most dominant defenses in the league, culminating in a Super Bowl 59 victory. The star-studded unit not only set the tone for the Eagles’ journey to the championship but also laid the foundation for what would become one of the most historic seasons for the organization. While individual players like Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, and Nolan Smith earned widespread recognition for their standout performances, the true credit for the defensive dominance must be shared with the roots of the team’s success: Georgia Football. The “Georgia Football Link,” as it has been dubbed, represented more than just an alumni connection—it was the embodiment of the culture, mentality, and pedigree that Georgia instills in its players.

Leading the charge for the Eagles’ defensive unit was a contingent of Georgia Bulldogs who had carried the program’s success with them into the NFL. These players, molded by their years under head coach Kirby Smart, had seamlessly transitioned into key roles on a defense that suffocated opponents throughout the season. However, the “Georgia Football Link” was about much more than just its on-field impact. It represented the systematic development of a unique defensive culture, one that has made Georgia a powerhouse at both the collegiate and professional levels.

The Genesis of the Georgia Football Link

The rise of Georgia Football under Kirby Smart has been nothing short of remarkable. As head coach, Smart transformed the Georgia Bulldogs into one of the most dominant programs in the NCAA, building a culture rooted in defensive toughness, strategic discipline, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Under his leadership, Georgia’s defense consistently ranked among the best in the nation, producing standout players who would go on to thrive in the NFL. However, it wasn’t just about the individual success stories—it was about creating a team-first mentality that allowed players to not only thrive but elevate one another.

The impact of Georgia’s defensive scheme and training methods extended well beyond the college ranks. As these players entered the NFL, many found themselves on the same teams, including the Eagles. When you combine exceptional talent with a pre-established, winning culture—one that emphasizes hard work, leadership, and mental fortitude—the results are a defense that feels more like a family than a group of athletes. And the “Georgia Football Link” became the foundation for that connection.

While Georgia’s program always had a tradition of producing NFL-caliber talent, the recognition of the program’s culture and its lasting effects on players began to reach new heights in recent years. For the Eagles, the addition of Georgia products to their roster created a synergy—a defensive unit composed of players who had played in similar systems and who understood each other’s tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses. This connection proved invaluable throughout the season and during their playoff run, culminating in a dominant performance on the game’s biggest stage.

Defensive Dominance: The Role of Georgia Bulldogs on the Eagles’ Super Bowl Defense

The Eagles’ defense in Super Bowl 59 was a well-oiled machine. A core part of that dominance came from the Georgia Football Link, where former Bulldogs took center stage in leading the charge. Jordan Davis, a defensive tackle who had been a staple of Georgia’s defensive line, was one of the standout contributors to the Eagles’ defense. Known for his imposing size, strength, and agility, Davis had been a key part of Georgia’s 2022 national championship-winning defense. When he transitioned to the NFL, his skillset only improved under the tutelage of Eagles’ defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.

In Super Bowl 59, Davis’s performance was nothing short of stellar. He anchored the interior of the defensive line, clogging up running lanes and pushing the opposing offensive line back into the pocket. His ability to disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage set the tone for the Eagles’ defensive efforts. Davis’s playmaking ability, combined with his leadership on the field, was a direct result of the preparation and development he received at Georgia. His evolution from a force at the college level to one of the NFL’s most impactful defensive tackles exemplified the power of Georgia’s football development.

Jalen Carter, another dominant Georgia defensive lineman, was another key figure in the Eagles’ Super Bowl defense. Carter had been a force for Georgia, helping to lead the team to multiple championships. His time in Athens refined his pass-rushing skills, and by the time he entered the NFL, Carter had become one of the league’s premier defensive players. His relentless motor and ability to penetrate offensive lines made him a nightmare for quarterbacks. In Super Bowl 59, Carter’s pressure on the opposing quarterback disrupted the offense’s rhythm and played a critical role in the Eagles’ win.

Furthermore, Nolan Smith, a highly-touted linebacker from Georgia, brought his edge-rushing prowess to Philadelphia, where he became a key piece of the Eagles’ pass-rush rotation. Smith’s elite speed and athleticism were honed under Smart’s system, and it showed when he was able to track down quarterbacks, disrupt plays in the backfield, and provide vital pressure during crucial moments of the game.

Together, these players helped form a defensive unit that was unmatched in terms of both talent and cohesion. Their performances were not just the result of individual brilliance, but of years of working together within the same defensive system. Their Georgia football experience had provided them with the necessary tools to succeed at the highest level, and the Eagles reaped the benefits in the Super Bowl.

The Impact Beyond the Field: The Georgia Football Link’s Legacy

The “Georgia Football Link” didn’t just manifest in statistics and on-field performances—it had far-reaching effects on the culture and atmosphere of the Eagles’ defense. The relationship between the Bulldogs on the team went far beyond the standard professional locker room dynamic. The mutual respect and trust that they had built over years of competition at Georgia helped them transition smoothly into their NFL careers.

This collective understanding of what it takes to succeed in high-pressure moments, learned from years in Smart’s system, was crucial during the Eagles’ Super Bowl run. When adversity struck in critical moments of games, these former Georgia players leaned on each other’s experiences. Whether it was Carter leading a huddle, Davis rallying his teammates, or Smith driving the defense forward with his energy, they exemplified the unity that Georgia football is known for.

Additionally, the relationship that Georgia players formed with the Eagles’ coaching staff contributed to their success. Defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, recognizing the value of Georgia’s defensive scheme, tailored aspects of his own playbook to complement the strengths of the Bulldogs on the team. Gannon’s ability to harness the players’ familiarity with Georgia’s defensive philosophy created a synergy that worked perfectly for the Eagles.

It’s also important to note that the culture instilled by Georgia’s program had an impact on the Eagles’ team as a whole. The defensive linemen and linebackers who had played under Smart’s tough, no-nonsense approach became the natural leaders of the Eagles’ defense. Their ability to inspire, push their teammates to greater heights, and bring everyone together was a direct result of the leadership qualities they developed under Smart’s tutelage.

For the Eagles, the Georgia Football Link was not just a collection of talented players—it was a force multiplier, amplifying the success of the entire defense.

The Continued Dominance of Georgia Football

Looking beyond Super Bowl 59, the impact of Georgia’s football program is expected to remain strong. The Eagles’ success in 2025 is just the latest chapter in the ongoing narrative of Georgia’s players dominating at the highest levels of football. With Georgia continuing to develop elite talent year after year, it’s clear that the Bulldogs’ legacy in the NFL is just getting started.

Georgia’s system has become a proven model for success in the NFL, and players who enter the league after excelling under Smart’s watch are becoming cornerstones of their respective teams. As more former Bulldogs transition to the NFL, expect more defensive units to be built around the foundation that Smart has so meticulously crafted at Georgia.

The Georgia Football Link in the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory is not just a momentary flash of brilliance but a demonstration of the lasting influence of Georgia’s football culture. For years to come, the Bulldogs’ impact on the NFL will continue to resonate, ensuring that the legacy of Georgia football is forever tied to excellence both at the collegiate and professional levels.

 A Legacy of Dominance

The Eagles’ success in Super Bowl 59 was a reflection of the league’s rising tide of talent from Georgia. As a key part of the Eagles’ defensive dominance, the Georgia Football Link helped push the team to the top, culminating in a championship. But this connection goes far beyond just a single Super Bowl victory—it’s a testament to the incredible impact that Georgia’s football program has had on the NFL.

From Jordan Davis to Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith, the Bulldogs brought more than just their skills to the Eagles—they brought a mindset and culture that made the Eagles’ defense one of the most formidable in the league. Their dedication to one another, their shared understanding of what it takes to succeed, and their unbreakable bond helped propel the Eagles to victory. As Georgia continues to churn out NFL talent, the legacy of the Georgia Football Link will undoubtedly continue to play a major role in shaping future championships, both in college and the pros.