DeVonta Smith is the first Alabama-drafted athlete to score a touchdown in the Super Bowl.

DeVonta Smith: The First Alabama-Drafted Athlete to Score a Touchdown in the Super Bowl

In February 2023, DeVonta Smith made history in Super Bowl LVII as the first player drafted from the University of Alabama to score a touchdown in the Super Bowl. This achievement was not just a milestone for the young wide receiver, but also a defining moment for Alabama’s football legacy in the NFL. Smith’s touchdown highlighted not only his remarkable athleticism and skill but also the lasting influence of Alabama’s football program on the NFL stage.

This essay explores Smith’s journey to the NFL, his significance as the first Alabama-drafted player to score a Super Bowl touchdown, and the broader impact of his accomplishment on both the sport and the University of Alabama.

DeVonta Smith’s Early Life and College Career

Born on November 14, 1998, in Amite City, Louisiana, DeVonta Smith’s path to NFL stardom began in high school. He played football at Amite High School, where his talent as a wide receiver was immediately apparent. Smith was known for his speed, route-running precision, and natural ability to make big plays. His skills earned him a spot on the prestigious Alabama Crimson Tide football team, one of the nation’s most successful college football programs.

Smith joined Alabama in 2017, following a highly decorated high school career. In his first year with the Crimson Tide, he was part of a team that won the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship, although he was primarily a backup receiver. It wasn’t until his sophomore season in 2018 that Smith truly emerged as a key player for Alabama, and by his junior year, he became one of the most feared wide receivers in college football.

Smith’s college career peaked in 2020 when he won the prestigious Heisman Trophy, awarded to the best player in college football. He finished the season with 117 receptions, 1,856 yards, and 23 touchdowns, leading Alabama to another national championship. His Heisman victory was historic, as he became the first wide receiver since 1991 to win the award. Smith’s success at Alabama solidified his status as one of the best wide receivers in college football history, and it was clear that he had a bright future ahead of him in the NFL.

The Transition to the NFL

DeVonta Smith declared for the 2021 NFL Draft following his historic 2020 season. His combination of speed, skill, and playmaking ability made him one of the top receivers available, but his slight frame—standing at 6 feet and weighing 170 pounds—caused some scouts to question his ability to perform at the professional level. Despite these concerns, Smith’s performances in the SEC Championship and College Football Playoff left no doubt about his potential.

The Philadelphia Eagles, led by general manager Howie Roseman, selected Smith with the 10th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Eagles, who had struggled with wide receiver play in recent seasons, saw Smith as a dynamic playmaker who could revitalize their passing attack. Philadelphia’s decision to draft Smith was part of a broader effort to provide quarterback Jalen Hurts with more weapons, as Hurts and Smith had already built chemistry at Alabama.

Smith’s rookie season in the NFL was impressive. He immediately established himself as one of the most reliable receivers on the Eagles’ roster, leading the team in receiving yards and touchdowns in 2021. His smooth route running, explosive speed, and ability to make difficult catches quickly earned him the respect of his teammates, coaches, and opponents. He finished the 2021 season with 64 receptions, 916 yards, and 5 touchdowns, setting the stage for an even more productive sophomore campaign.

DeVonta Smith’s Super Bowl LVII Performance

The 2022-2023 NFL season marked a significant achievement for both DeVonta Smith and the Philadelphia Eagles, as the team reached Super Bowl LVII against the Kansas City Chiefs. For Smith, the opportunity to play in the Super Bowl represented the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. His journey from a high school star to a Heisman Trophy winner and now an NFL receiver in the biggest game of the year was a testament to his talent and determination.

During Super Bowl LVII, DeVonta Smith demonstrated why he was one of the league’s top young receivers. The Eagles’ offense, led by head coach Nick Sirianni and offensive coordinator Shane Steichen, relied heavily on their passing game to compete against the high-powered Kansas City offense. Smith’s role was crucial in helping quarterback Jalen Hurts navigate the Chiefs’ defense. The game saw Hurts put up one of the most impressive Super Bowl performances by a quarterback in recent history, and Smith was there every step of the way.

Smith’s historic touchdown came in the second quarter, when he caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from Hurts. The score was significant for several reasons. First, it was Smith’s first-ever touchdown in the Super Bowl, a moment he would remember for the rest of his career. Second, it marked the first time that an athlete drafted from Alabama had scored a touchdown in the Super Bowl. The University of Alabama has produced a long list of NFL stars, including legendary players like Joe Namath, Derrick Thomas, and Julio Jones, but until Smith’s touchdown, no Alabama player had ever found the end zone in the league’s biggest game.

Smith’s touchdown gave the Eagles a 21-14 lead at the time, and it was part of an offensive explosion that saw both teams trade blows throughout the game. Though the Eagles ultimately lost to the Chiefs in a dramatic 38-35 finish, Smith’s performance was a bright spot for the team. His touchdown was a powerful reminder of the talent that Alabama consistently produces for the NFL.

The Significance of Smith’s Touchdown

DeVonta Smith’s touchdown in Super Bowl LVII was a landmark moment for several reasons. For one, it helped break a long-standing narrative about Alabama’s lack of success in the NFL’s biggest game. While Alabama has been an NFL factory, with dozens of first-round picks over the years, many of the Crimson Tide’s top players had never managed to score a touchdown in the Super Bowl. Smith’s accomplishment therefore helped solidify Alabama’s legacy as a breeding ground for NFL talent.

Moreover, the touchdown reflected the growing impact of the new generation of Alabama players in the NFL. As the 2020s have shown, players like Smith, Tua Tagovailoa, Jerry Jeudy, and others are continuing to make waves in the NFL, changing the narrative about the program’s ability to translate college success to the professional level. Smith’s touchdown was a shining example of this shift.

Finally, Smith’s achievement holds personal significance for him, as it symbolizes the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Growing up in Louisiana, Smith was no stranger to watching NFL games and hoping to one day be a part of them. Scoring in the Super Bowl not only marked a crowning achievement in his career but also cemented his place in history as one of the greats to come from Alabama’s football program.

The Legacy of Alabama Football in the NFL

Alabama football has long been considered one of the top programs in college football. Under the leadership of head coach Nick Saban, Alabama has consistently produced elite players who go on to have successful careers in the NFL. From linebackers like Derrick Thomas and Rolando McClain to quarterbacks like Joe Namath and Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama players have left their mark on the professional game.

Yet, for all of the talent that Alabama has produced, the program had not seen a player drafted from its ranks score a touchdown in the Super Bowl until DeVonta Smith. This moment was not just about Smith’s personal success, but also about the continued prominence of Alabama football in the NFL. It served as a reminder that Alabama’s dominance on the college level continues to translate to the professional ranks, further cementing the program’s place as a powerhouse in both college football and the NFL.