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Ex-Georgia football star Nolan Smith showed he had that 'Dawg in him' after playing through an injury in Eagles Super Bowl win

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kelsey Kramer | Last updated Feb 23, 2025 3:02 PM ET

Former Georgia football star linebacker Nolan Smith proved he had that "Dawg in him" after playing through an injury in the Philadelphia Eagles' 40-22 Super Bowl LIX win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Feb. 9.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mika Garafolo, Smith tore his triceps during the victory and played through it in the second half.

#Eagles pass-rusher Nolan Smith tore his triceps in the Super Bowl LIX win over the #Chiefs — and played through it in the second half, per me and @MikeGarafolo.

Smith, who performed in the second half on one arm, had surgery on Wednesday and will be ready for the 2025 season. pic.twitter.com/Atmq0pcXkV
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 21, 2025

Rapoport added that Smith underwent successful surgery on Wednesday and will be healthy for the 2025 NFL season.

Smith, a former 2023 first-round pick by Philly, took a huge step in his second season with the Birds, logging 6.5 sacks, 42 tackles, 11 QB hits, and 24 QB pressures.

While Smith did not make any big plays in the Eagles' Super Bowl win, he was still a huge reason why the team made it that far after adding four more sacks in their postseason run.

Smith's injury also did not keep him from having a great time at the Eagles' Super Bowl parade celebration on Valentine's Day where he claimed he drank nine beers and a fireball shot.

Eagles defensive end Nolan Smith says he drank nine beers and a fireball shot in the Super Bowl parade. He says a kid wanted to be a part of the parade, so Nolan grabbed him and put him on his shoulders and he did give him back to his family. Good times had by all! … pic.twitter.com/0ms34FgUhv
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) February 16, 2025

The pressure will be on for Smith to step up again in 2025 with Josh Sweat hitting the open market come March and Brandon Graham's retirement decision still up in the air. However, there's no doubt that Smith can handle the extra workload.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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