DeVonta Smith: First Alabama-Drafted Athlete to Score a Touchdown in the Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is the pinnacle of American football, the stage where the greatest athletes in the sport compete for glory. For decades, the University of Alabama has been one of the most successful programs in college football, churning out NFL stars who have had a massive impact at the professional level. Yet, despite the program’s dominance, it took until the 2025 Super Bowl for an Alabama-drafted player to score a touchdown in the big game. DeVonta Smith, the Eagles’ wide receiver, etched his name into the history books by becoming the first Alabama-drafted athlete to find the end zone in the Super Bowl.
This monumental achievement is a testament to both Smith’s talent and the Alabama football program’s ability to produce elite athletes who go on to shine in the NFL. While Alabama has produced countless future NFL stars over the years, it wasn’t until Super Bowl LVIII that one of its alumni scored a touchdown. For Smith, this achievement capped off a remarkable journey from Tuscaloosa to the Super Bowl, showcasing his rise to stardom and the long-lasting impact of his alma mater on the NFL.
Alabama’s Legacy in the NFL
Before we delve into DeVonta Smith’s historic Super Bowl moment, it’s important to understand the context of Alabama’s legacy in the NFL. The Crimson Tide is widely regarded as one of the most successful football programs in college history. With more than 18 national championships and a reputation for producing NFL-caliber talent, Alabama has a strong tradition of excellence on both the college and professional levels.
Over the years, Alabama’s pipeline to the NFL has been highly productive, with names like Joe Namath, Derrick Henry, Julio Jones, Amari Cooper, and many others carving out successful careers in the NFL. Despite this immense success, there was one thing missing from Alabama’s rich history: a player drafted from the program scoring a touchdown in the Super Bowl.
The Rise of DeVonta Smith
DeVonta Smith’s path to this historic moment began in the small town of Amite, Louisiana, where he first made his name as an athlete. His ability to make plays on the football field eventually led him to the University of Alabama, where he quickly emerged as one of the nation’s top wide receivers. Smith’s college career was filled with accolades, culminating in a Heisman Trophy win in 2020, an award given to the best player in college football. His incredible performances in Alabama’s national championship run that year cemented his legacy as one of the greatest receivers in school history.
Smith’s standout skills were evident in his ability to make plays at every level. Known for his elite route running, top-tier hands, and uncanny ability to make spectacular catches in clutch moments, Smith quickly became one of the most highly sought-after prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft. His size—at just 6 feet tall and 170 pounds—was often a talking point, with some analysts questioning if he would be able to handle the physicality of the NFL. However, Smith silenced critics with his work ethic, intelligence, and sheer ability to dominate in big moments.
After being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 10th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Smith quickly made his presence felt in the NFL. Despite the Eagles’ struggles during his rookie year, Smith showed he was more than capable of excelling at the highest level. His quickness, precise route running, and ability to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL helped him become a key target for quarterback Jalen Hurts.
As he entered his third season, Smith’s game continued to evolve. His ability to make plays in big moments and his chemistry with Hurts only improved, making him one of the most dynamic young receivers in the league.
Super Bowl LVIII: The Moment of Glory
The 2025 Super Bowl, played between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, was a game filled with tension, drama, and outstanding individual performances. The Eagles were looking to win their second Super Bowl in franchise history, while the Chiefs, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, sought to claim their third.
Smith’s moment came in the second quarter, with the Eagles trailing by three points. On a critical third-and-goal play, Hurts dropped back and surveyed the field. With the Chiefs’ defense closing in on him, Hurts delivered a perfectly timed pass to Smith, who ran a sharp route near the back corner of the end zone. Smith, using his precise footwork and exceptional hands, secured the ball despite tight coverage and scored his first Super Bowl touchdown.
The significance of this play extended far beyond the Eagles’ offensive success in the game. DeVonta Smith, the former Heisman Trophy winner from Alabama, had just made history as the first Alabama-drafted player to score a touchdown in a Super Bowl. It was a moment that transcended football, one that embodied the long-lasting impact of Alabama’s football program on the NFL. For Alabama fans, the sight of Smith wearing an Eagles uniform and contributing to a Super Bowl victory was an unforgettable moment.
Smith’s touchdown not only helped the Eagles regain momentum in the game but also gave them a lead they would not relinquish. His performance in the Super Bowl was a microcosm of his career: clutch, poised, and undeniably talented. It was a defining moment in a young player’s journey to greatness and a tribute to the hard work and dedication that had gotten him to this point.
The Impact on Alabama Football
DeVonta Smith’s historic touchdown in Super Bowl LVIII is a milestone for Alabama football. The program has consistently produced some of the NFL’s best players, but Smith’s accomplishment fills a unique gap in the Crimson Tide’s legacy. While Alabama’s history is filled with championship-caliber players and NFL stars, the absence of a Super Bowl touchdown from one of its drafted athletes was a notable omission.
Alabama fans, coaches, and former players celebrated Smith’s achievement as a moment of pride not just for Smith but for the program as a whole. It was a long-awaited milestone for a school that has produced some of the best to ever play the game. For those who followed Smith’s journey from his days at Alabama to his professional career, it was a full-circle moment, a testament to the program’s continued dominance in the world of football.
Smith’s Super Bowl touchdown also further solidified his place in Alabama football lore. He joins the ranks of other Alabama greats who have made their mark in the NFL, and his accomplishment is a reflection of the elite level of talent that continues to come from the school. The touchdown not only elevated Smith’s status in the NFL but also helped elevate Alabama’s football legacy to new heights.
A Bright Future Ahead
With the Super Bowl now behind him, DeVonta Smith’s future in the NFL looks incredibly bright. As a dynamic wide receiver who continues to develop at a rapid pace, Smith has the potential to become one of the best in the league. His ability to make an impact in big moments, as evidenced by his Super Bowl touchdown, bodes well for the future of both the Eagles and Smith himself.
For Alabama, Smith’s success serves as another reminder of the talent the program produces year after year. His achievements, both in college and the NFL, are a reflection of the dedication and commitment to excellence that has long been a hallmark of Alabama football. As more Alabama players continue to make waves in the NFL, Smith’s Super Bowl moment will be remembered as a key moment in the school’s enduring legacy.
The Broader Impact on College Football
DeVonta Smith’s touchdown is not only a victory for Alabama but also a significant moment for college football as a whole. The success of players like Smith in the Super Bowl showcases the importance of the college game in developing NFL talent. Schools like Alabama, with their rich football traditions and elite coaching, continue to produce players who can thrive at the professional level.
As the NFL continues to evolve and talent from all corners of the country enters the league, Smith’s achievement will serve as a reminder of how far college football has come in developing players for the highest stage. His touchdown is a testament to the hard work and preparation that goes into making an NFL star, and it underscores the integral role college football programs play in shaping the next generation of talent.