Georgia Bulldogs players in the Super Bowl express their gratitude for Kirby Smart’s influence on their careers.
As the Super Bowl approaches, several players who once wore the red and black of the Georgia Bulldogs are set to take the field in one of the most prestigious events in American sports. The connection between these players and their former head coach, Kirby Smart, is a story of development, growth, and deep appreciation. For many of these athletes, Smart’s leadership and guidance were instrumental in their paths to the NFL, and they are quick to acknowledge the impact he had on their success.
Kirby Smart’s Impact on Georgia Players
Since taking over as Georgia’s head coach in 2016, Kirby Smart has transformed the Bulldogs program into a powerhouse in college football. Under his leadership, Georgia has won multiple SEC titles and brought home two national championships, including one in 2022. His coaching style, which emphasizes discipline, toughness, and preparation, has shaped the careers of countless players, many of whom have gone on to play at the highest level of professional football.
Smart’s success is not just measured in championships, but in the number of his players who make it to the NFL. His ability to recruit, develop talent, and instill a winning mentality in his athletes has played a pivotal role in sending Bulldogs players to the Super Bowl. Some of the most notable former Georgia players in the Super Bowl, such as running back Sony Michel, linebacker Roquan Smith, and wide receiver George Pickens, all credit their development to the structure Smart has put in place at Georgia.
Sony Michel: A Perfect Example of Smart’s Development
One player who exemplifies Smart’s influence is Sony Michel, the running back who starred at Georgia before being drafted by the New England Patriots. Michel played a key role in Georgia’s 2017 national championship run and was later selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. After a successful rookie season with the Patriots, Michel went on to win a Super Bowl title in 2019, further solidifying his legacy in both college and professional football.
Michel often reflects on his time under Smart’s leadership, noting that the discipline and work ethic instilled in him at Georgia set the foundation for his success in the NFL. He credits Smart with helping him develop both as a player and as a person, emphasizing how the focus on attention to detail and preparation at Georgia helped him excel at the professional level.
“There’s no doubt that Coach Smart has had a huge impact on me,” Michel said in an interview before the Super Bowl. “The way he runs his program and the values he instills in us as players, it’s something I carry with me every day. The way we were prepared at Georgia gave me the confidence to step into the NFL and succeed.”
Roquan Smith: Leadership and Work Ethic
Another former Bulldog player who has gone on to achieve Super Bowl aspirations is linebacker Roquan Smith. Smith, a two-time first-team All-American at Georgia, was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2018 and quickly became one of the league’s top linebackers. His time under Smart’s tutelage prepared him not only for the physical demands of the NFL but also for the mental challenges that come with being a professional football player.
“Coach Smart taught us how to approach the game with a mentality that we could be the best, no matter where we started,” Smith said. “He made sure we were mentally prepared to face anything. Every challenge that came my way in the NFL, I was ready for it because of the training I got at Georgia.”
Smith’s transition to the NFL was seamless, and he’s now one of the top linebackers in the league, known for his leadership, football IQ, and work ethic. As he looks ahead to the Super Bowl, Smith is thankful for the strong foundation Smart provided during his college years.
George Pickens: From Athens to the Big Stage
Wide receiver George Pickens is another example of a Georgia Bulldog who has made a significant impact in the NFL. Pickens, a highly touted wideout, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers and quickly became one of the team’s top targets. Known for his ability to make acrobatic catches and his physical style of play, Pickens’ skills were honed under Smart’s coaching staff in Athens.
Pickens has often spoken about how Smart’s approach to coaching helped him fine-tune his skills and become a more disciplined player. From the early days of his career at Georgia, Pickens learned how to balance his natural talent with the structure and discipline required to succeed at the highest level. He credits Smart with teaching him how to develop consistency and mental toughness, both of which have helped him thrive in the NFL.
“Coach Smart has been huge for my development as a player,” Pickens explained. “The way he runs his program, the emphasis on being prepared, staying focused, and competing at a high level, it really helped me grow. I know that if I hadn’t had that foundation at Georgia, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Georgia’s Super Bowl Presence: A Testament to Smart’s Legacy
As the Super Bowl approaches, it’s clear that the Georgia Bulldogs have become a consistent pipeline for NFL talent, thanks in large part to Kirby Smart’s leadership. With players like Michel, Smith, and Pickens reaching the pinnacle of football, it’s evident that Smart’s emphasis on developing well-rounded athletes has paid off in a big way.
The Super Bowl appearance for these former Bulldogs is not just a personal achievement for each player but a testament to the lasting legacy Smart has created at Georgia. As more players from the Georgia program continue to make an impact at the NFL level, it’s clear that Smart’s influence will continue to resonate for years to come.
For the Bulldogs in the Super Bowl, their journey to this point has been shaped by their time in Athens, under the watchful eye of Kirby Smart. As they take the field in the biggest game of their careers, these players are not only representing themselves but also honoring the coach who helped them get there.
