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

The Super Bowl is the pinnacle of American football, the game where legacies are cemented and history is written. For DeVonta Smith, the wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, his moment in Super Bowl LVII (57) was more than just a personal achievement—it was a groundbreaking event that etched his name in the annals of both NFL and Alabama football history. Smith’s touchdown in the Super Bowl marked a significant milestone as the first Alabama-drafted player to score a touchdown in the game. His achievement is not just a testament to his immense talent but also a reflection of the lasting legacy of Alabama football in the NFL.

Alabama’s Football Legacy: A History of NFL Success

To understand the significance of DeVonta Smith’s accomplishment, it is essential to recognize the profound influence the University of Alabama’s football program has had on the NFL. Under legendary head coach Nick Saban, Alabama has produced an extraordinary number of NFL-caliber players. From Joe Namath, the quarterback who led the New York Jets to an unlikely Super Bowl victory in 1969, to more recent stars like Julio Jones, Derrick Henry, and Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama’s success in the NFL is undeniable.

The program has consistently been a pipeline for elite talent, with numerous players going on to have standout careers in the league. However, despite this impressive track record, there had never been an Alabama-drafted player to score a touchdown in the Super Bowl until Smith’s performance. This fact speaks volumes about how rare and special Smith’s accomplishment truly is.

DeVonta Smith: A Star at Alabama

DeVonta Smith’s journey to the NFL and the Super Bowl began in his college years, where he made his name as one of the most electrifying wide receivers in the nation. Born on November 14, 1998, in Amite City, Louisiana, Smith attended Amite High School, where he was a star player. His exceptional talent on the football field caught the attention of scouts, and by the time he was ready to make a decision about his future, Alabama emerged as the school of choice.

At Alabama, Smith quickly developed into one of the most dominant wide receivers in college football. He was known for his speed, precise route-running, and extraordinary ability to make clutch plays in crucial moments. His most iconic moment came in the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship Game, where Smith single-handedly torched Ohio State with 12 receptions, 215 yards, and 3 touchdowns, leading Alabama to a decisive victory. His performance in that game, in addition to his stellar season, earned him the prestigious Heisman Trophy—the first wide receiver to win the award since 1991.

Smith’s college career was nothing short of spectacular. He finished his time at Alabama with over 4,000 career receiving yards and 47 touchdowns, solidifying himself as one of the best players in the history of the program. His combination of agility, speed, and football IQ made him a dangerous threat on every play, and his ability to perform under pressure earned him a reputation as one of the best big-game performers in recent memory.

The 2021 NFL Draft and Smith’s Arrival in the NFL

After a dazzling college career, DeVonta Smith declared for the 2021 NFL Draft. He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 10th overall pick, a testament to his immense talent and potential. The Eagles were in need of a playmaking wide receiver to complement their offense, and Smith was seen as the perfect fit. His ability to stretch the field and make spectacular catches made him a dynamic addition to the Eagles’ roster.

In his rookie season, Smith quickly proved his worth. Despite being on a team in the midst of a rebuilding process, he delivered a strong performance, racking up over 900 yards and 5 touchdowns. He showed chemistry with quarterback Jalen Hurts, a fellow Alabama alum, and developed into a key component of the Eagles’ offense. Smith’s route-running, combined with his ability to gain separation from defenders, made him one of the top young receivers in the NFL.

The Eagles’ success in the 2022-2023 season was largely due to the development of their offense, which saw Hurts take a massive step forward as a dual-threat quarterback. Hurts’ ability to extend plays and throw accurately on the run complemented Smith’s skill set, and the duo became one of the most feared combinations in the league. The Eagles, with their explosive offense and stout defense, earned a spot in Super Bowl LVII, setting the stage for Smith to make his mark on the biggest stage in sports.

Super Bowl LVII: The Stage Is Set

Super Bowl LVII, held on February 12, 2023, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, was a highly anticipated matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, were looking to win their third Super Bowl title, while the Eagles, with a roster filled with talent on both sides of the ball, were looking to capture their second championship in franchise history.

For DeVonta Smith, this was the opportunity of a lifetime. The Super Bowl is where legends are made, and the bright lights of the biggest game in sports would provide the perfect stage for Smith to showcase his skills to a global audience. As the game kicked off, the Eagles came out firing, with Jalen Hurts playing an exceptional game. The Eagles’ offense was fluid, and Smith, as the team’s top wide receiver, was a focal point of the attack.

In the first half, Smith made several key plays, including a touchdown that would go down in history. With the Eagles leading 7-0 in the first quarter, Hurts found Smith in the back corner of the end zone with a perfectly thrown ball. Smith made a spectacular catch, keeping his feet inbounds as he secured the ball for the score. The touchdown was a beautiful display of Smith’s precise route-running, impeccable hands, and ability to perform in the clutch. It was a historic moment—Smith became the first Alabama-drafted player to score a touchdown in the Super Bowl, a feat that highlighted his remarkable journey and the excellence of Alabama football.

The Eagles’ Super Bowl Journey and the Historic Touchdown

Smith’s touchdown in the Super Bowl was not only significant for his personal journey but also for the Philadelphia Eagles, who were facing a formidable opponent in the Kansas City Chiefs. The Eagles and Chiefs traded blows throughout the game, with Mahomes leading the Chiefs’ offense and Hurts doing the same for the Eagles. The game was filled with high drama, incredible plays, and pivotal moments.

Despite a valiant effort by the Eagles, the Chiefs ultimately triumphed, securing a 38-35 victory. Mahomes, who was named Super Bowl MVP, led a second-half comeback that proved too much for the Eagles to handle. Although the Eagles fell short of winning the Super Bowl, DeVonta Smith’s touchdown stood out as one of the brightest moments of the game. It was a testament to Smith’s ability to shine on the biggest stage and a reflection of the immense talent that the Eagles’ offense possessed.

The Importance of the Achievement

DeVonta Smith’s touchdown in Super Bowl LVII holds great significance for multiple reasons. First, it solidified his place in NFL history as the first Alabama-drafted player to score in a Super Bowl, breaking a long-standing gap for players from the storied program. This is especially meaningful when you consider the rich history of Alabama players in the NFL. From legendary figures like Joe Namath to modern-day stars like Julio Jones and Derrick Henry, Alabama has produced an impressive list of players who have left an indelible mark on the NFL.

Smith’s achievement is also a testament to the Alabama football program, which continues to churn out elite talent year after year. The program’s ability to develop players for the NFL is unparalleled, and Smith’s success in the Super Bowl only strengthens the program’s reputation as a breeding ground for future stars.

Looking Ahead: DeVonta Smith’s Future

Although the Eagles lost the Super Bowl, DeVonta Smith’s future in the NFL is incredibly bright. With his exceptional talent, work ethic, and the chemistry he has developed with Jalen Hurts, Smith is poised to become one of the league’s top wide receivers in the coming years. His performance in the Super Bowl, despite the loss, demonstrated that he can rise to the occasion on the sport’s biggest stage.

For Alabama football, Smith’s achievement will be remembered as a historic moment that further solidifies the program’s place in the NFL. As more Alabama players continue to enter the league, it is likely that more milestones will be reached, but DeVonta Smith’s touchdown will remain a key moment in the story of Alabama’s impact on professional football.

In the end, DeVonta Smith’s touchdown in Super Bowl LVII was more than just a personal accomplishment—it was a symbol of Alabama football’s continued dominance in the NFL and the bright future that lies ahead for Smith and the Eagles. With his immense talent and drive, Smith is on the path to a long and successful career in the NFL, and this historic touchdown is just the beginning of what promises to be an incredible journey.