There are a plethora of different angles that fans can delve into ahead of Super Bowl LVII. Some of the most common ones include what a second ring would mean for Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes’ legacy, and how a Super Bowl title would change the narrative around winning with a running quarterback.
They’re both certainly intriguing, but there’s another way to spin the matchup for another individual. Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith has an opportunity to do something few others in the sport have ever accomplished.
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If the Eagles are able to win Super Bowl LVII on Sunday, Smith would become just the 11th player in football history to win a Heisman Trophy in college and an NFL championship as a professional. He would join the likes of Paul Hornung, Roger Staubach, Mike Garrett, Jim Plunkett, Tony Dorsett, Marcus Allen, George Peters, Desmond Howard, Charles Woodson and Reggie Bush.
It would also be quite an accomplishment if Smith was able to join this club so early in his NFL career. He’s only in his second season, and would be on track to be part of an even more exclusive group if he’s able to win multiple Super Bowls in his career.
College Career
As one might expect given the hardware he finished his college career with, Devonta Smith had a massive impact when he suited up for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. He finished his four years in Tuscaloosa with an astounding 3,965 yards receiving, 46 touchdowns and 235 catches. It seems like the programs knew he was going to be something special from the get-go, as he played in eight games his freshman year. Smith’s involvement in the offense would increase as a sophomore, and he would never look back.
Smith’s Heisman Trophy winning season was nothing short of sensational. In 13 games, he hauled in 117 receptions for 1,856 yards and a mind-boggling 23 touchdowns. His production helped Alabama win the National Championship that year, as they raced past the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24 in the title contest. Smith lit it up on the biggest stage, catching three touchdowns and racking up a total of 215 yards.
Super Bowl Goals
It would be pretty remarkable for Smith to record statistics in the Super Bowl like he did in the 2020 National Championship game, but he would likely settle for a victory in his first appearance in the big game. His presence is going to be pretty important as well.
The Chiefs figure to allocate a lot of resources and attention towards stopping Eagles number one wide receiver A.J. Brown, so Smith should see single coverage for the majority of the game. If he’s able to consistently get open in his matchups, he could have a big day, or force Kansas City to make an adjustment. His play will be one of the hidden X-factors in the game, which will help decide who wins.
