Former Georgia players are all over the Eagles defense as they get ready for the Super Bowl.

As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for Super Bowl 59, one aspect of their defense stands out above the rest—the sheer number of former Georgia Bulldogs who now make up key components of the Eagles’ formidable defensive unit. From the defensive line to the linebacker core, Georgia’s elite football program has left a lasting imprint on one of the NFL’s best teams. This collection of players, molded by years of championship-winning culture in Athens, has become a pivotal part of the Eagles’ defensive scheme, giving them an edge as they set their sights on winning the biggest game of the season.

Georgia’s football program under head coach Kirby Smart has become a breeding ground for elite talent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. With a reputation for developing players who excel in high-pressure situations, Georgia has sent a steady stream of talent to the NFL in recent years, many of whom are now part of the Eagles’ dominant defense. As the Eagles prepare for their Super Bowl showdown, the undeniable presence of these former Bulldogs has become a crucial talking point, adding an extra layer of excitement for both Georgia fans and Eagles supporters alike.

Georgia’s Defense: The Foundation for NFL Success

The success of the Georgia Bulldogs under Kirby Smart has been built on an unwavering commitment to defense. Throughout Smart’s tenure, Georgia has become known for producing some of the best defensive players in college football. His emphasis on speed, physicality, and discipline has translated well at the NFL level, where players who have excelled in his system have been able to immediately impact their teams.

The 2025 NFL season has served as a shining example of Georgia’s growing presence in the professional ranks, with multiple former Bulldogs anchoring the Eagles’ defense. Players like Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Nolan Smith, and Kelee Ringo have stepped into starting roles and become integral pieces of the Eagles’ defensive game plan. Their ability to make an immediate impact speaks to the excellence of Georgia’s football program and the strength of its defensive culture, which continues to thrive in the NFL.

What makes this group of players even more remarkable is that they didn’t simply learn from one coach or a handful of standout players at Georgia—they were exposed to a deep and successful system that has produced consistent results year after year. The bond they share, having spent years together in Georgia’s defensive scheme, has been invaluable to the Eagles, who have been able to build their defense around this experienced core.

Jordan Davis: The Heart of the Eagles’ Defensive Line

One of the most prominent former Bulldogs on the Eagles’ defense is Jordan Davis, a towering presence on the defensive line. Davis, who played for Georgia from 2018 to 2021, became one of the most dominant interior defensive linemen in college football, known for his size, strength, and rare agility for a player of his stature. At Georgia, Davis was a key part of the Bulldogs’ 2021 national championship-winning defense, where he clogged up running lanes and disrupted opposing offenses on a weekly basis.

Upon entering the NFL, Davis brought his game-changing abilities with him. In the 2025 NFL season, he quickly became a staple of the Eagles’ defensive line. Davis’s ability to anchor the interior and collapse the pocket was invaluable to the Eagles’ pass rush and run defense. His presence in the middle of the defense allowed the edge rushers to get after the quarterback more effectively, and his strength made it nearly impossible for offensive linemen to move him off the ball.

As the Eagles prepare for the Super Bowl, Davis’s experience in big-game situations at Georgia, including his role in the 2021 national championship game, is crucial. His physicality, leadership, and calm demeanor in high-pressure situations are attributes that make him a key asset in the Eagles’ pursuit of another championship.

Jalen Carter: The Explosive Playmaker

Jalen Carter, another former Georgia Bulldog, has also made an immediate impact on the Eagles’ defense. Carter’s explosive athleticism and ability to disrupt the quarterback and offensive line were evident throughout his time at Georgia, where he was an integral part of one of the best defenses in college football history. Known for his motor, quickness, and ability to blow up plays in the backfield, Carter was one of the top defensive prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft and quickly made his mark in the NFL.

Carter’s speed and ability to penetrate the offensive line have allowed him to thrive in Philadelphia’s defensive scheme. His quickness off the snap and ability to get to the quarterback made him an invaluable asset to the Eagles’ defense, and his relentless work ethic has earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches. Just like Davis, Carter’s experience in big games at Georgia has prepared him for the spotlight of the Super Bowl, and he is expected to play a major role in the Eagles’ defensive game plan.

Nolan Smith: Speed and Edge-Rushing Prowess

At Nolan Smith, Georgia’s former star edge rusher, the Eagles have another former Bulldog who has made a significant impact during the 2025 NFL season. Smith, who played for Georgia from 2019 to 2022, was known for his explosive speed off the edge and his ability to get after the quarterback. His performance in Georgia’s national championship run in 2022 only added to his reputation as one of the most dangerous pass rushers in college football.

Smith’s transition to the NFL was seamless. His speed, bend, and relentless pass-rush technique have made him one of the Eagles’ top weapons in terms of pressure. Throughout the regular season, Smith consistently brought down quarterbacks, disrupted plays in the backfield, and contributed to the Eagles’ league-best defense. His ability to get after the quarterback and play with high energy makes him a crucial piece of the puzzle as the Eagles look to win the Super Bowl.

Given his history of playing in championship games at Georgia, Smith understands the intensity of big moments and will be counted on to provide that same spark for the Eagles. Whether it’s rushing the quarterback or setting the edge in the run game, Smith will undoubtedly be a key factor in Philadelphia’s Super Bowl defense.

Kelee Ringo: The Shutdown Corner

Kelee Ringo, a former cornerback for Georgia, rounds out the group of former Bulldogs playing on the Eagles’ defense. Ringo, known for his size, speed, and ability to shut down wide receivers, was one of Georgia’s standout defensive players during their national championship run in 2022. His game-winning interception in the national championship game against Alabama in 2022 cemented his status as one of the top cornerbacks in college football.

Ringo’s transition to the NFL has been just as successful. In the Eagles’ defense, Ringo’s ability to lock down wide receivers and play physical, disciplined football has been a key part of their success. His lockdown coverage has allowed the Eagles to play more aggressive in other areas of their defense, knowing that they have a player in Ringo who can shut down the opposition’s top threats.

As the Eagles approach the Super Bowl, Ringo’s presence in the secondary will be crucial. His ability to neutralize opposing wide receivers and force quarterbacks to throw into tight coverage makes him a key player in the Eagles’ defensive game plan.

The Georgia Football Link: A Shared Legacy

The connection between these former Bulldogs runs deeper than just their talent on the field. Having all played under Kirby Smart at Georgia, these players share a unique understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level. They are familiar with each other’s styles of play, know how to communicate on the field, and share a mutual respect that transcends team boundaries.

Georgia’s emphasis on discipline, leadership, and the ability to perform in big moments has clearly shaped the careers of these players. As the Eagles’ defense prepares for the Super Bowl, the Georgia Football Link becomes a vital component of the team’s success. The connection between these players goes beyond just X’s and O’s—it’s about a shared mentality that has been cultivated through years of playing together in one of the most successful programs in college football.

The Eagles’ defense, built largely on the foundation laid by Georgia football, has become one of the most dominant in the league. With these former Bulldogs leading the charge, the Eagles have the talent, experience, and leadership to make their Super Bowl 59 appearance a memorable one.

A Legacy of Championship Culture

As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare to take the field in Super Bowl 59, they will do so with a defense that is heavily influenced by the championship-winning culture of Georgia football. The Bulldogs’ dominance in college football, coupled with their ability to develop elite talent, has had a lasting impact on the Eagles’ success.

Former Georgia players like Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, and Kelee Ringo have made significant contributions to the Eagles’ defense throughout the 2025 season, and their experience in big-game situations will undoubtedly play a key role in their pursuit of a Super Bowl title. With the Georgia Football Link firmly in place, the Eagles have the foundation necessary to rise to the occasion and secure victory in the biggest game of the year.

For Georgia fans, this connection to the Eagles’ success provides even more reason to celebrate. The Bulldogs’ influence on the NFL continues to grow, and with each former player that makes an impact on the professional stage, Georgia’s reputation as a football powerhouse only strengthens. As the Eagles aim for Super Bowl glory, the legacy of Georgia football is sure to remain an essential part of their story.